Goals, red cards, and controversy galore – Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United was a throwback to yesteryear.
There was drama from minute one with Gabriel Martinelli’s first-half opener being disallowed after the Brazilian was deemed offside.
Man United would take the lead early in the second half only for Diogo Dalot to get himself sent off minutes later.
Arsenal would soon capitalise on their man advantage with Gabriel firing home the equaliser, in the 63rd minute.
Martin Odegaard would then have the chance to put the Gunners in front from the penalty spot after referee Andrew Madley deemed that Kai Havertz was fouled in the penalty area – a decision which incensed the Man United players.
The Arsenal captain’s penalty would be saved – but that would be overclouded by the controversy in the lead-up to the penalty, after Manuel Ugarte seemed to knock Havertz to the ground.
Arsenal fans believe Manuel Ugarte should be have sent off
Gunners fans would have been frustrated to see Odegaard’s penalty saved but it seems like the majority of their anger stems from the fact they believe Ugarte should have received a red card in the build-up.
The Uruguayan seemed to tilt his head towards Havertz, knocking the Arsenal star to the ground – something the Arsenal fans believe should have got him sent off.
One fan said via X: “Ugarte is very lucky not to go there. Considering he’s on a booking, he’s taken a few swipes at Havertz – one with his head, it looked like.”
A third fan said: “Lucky there’s no var otherwise ugarte would be sent off.”
“So weird to not have VAR when they apply it so inconsistently in other comps. Pen would have been overturned and Ugarte would have been sent off,” another supporter added.
Why wasn’t there VAR for Arsenal vs Manchester United
As many Arsenal fans slam Andrew Madley’s decision, many may have wondered why VAR did not get involved
That was because VAR was not present for the Arsenal vs Man United clash, with the FA claiming Video Assistant Referees will only be used from the fifth round onwards in the FA Cup.
In a recent statement, the FA said: ‘It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.
‘VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.
‘This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.’
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