Arsenal have had several refereeing decisions go against them over the years.
One of the biggest reasons why the Gunners did not win the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season was the terrible decisions from the officials.
Such frustrations are not new for Arsenal fans. They have been on the wrong end of many such errors.
The worst of all came in 2004 during a game between the North Londoners and Manchester United.
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Ex-PGMOL boss says Mike Riley was ‘sanctioned’ after controversial Manchester United vs Arsenal clash
Arsenal and Manchester United had many great battles back in the day.
Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson’s sides produced games that will long live in fans’ memories, and people still talk about them to this day.
Although most games are remembered for the quality on the pitch, passion from players and the impact on title races, one fixture is talked about for all the wrong reasons.
Back in 2004, Manchester United beat Arsenal 2-0 to bring an end to their historic 49-game unbeaten run. That game was filled with terrible refereeing decisions from Mike Riley.
Jose Antonio Reyes was targeted by United players from the get-go. Gary Neville should’ve seen a red card for his challenges on the Spaniard, while Rio Ferdinand should’ve also been sent off for taking Freddie Ljungberg out when he was through on goal.
Even Ruud van Nistelrooy should’ve received his marching orders after a terrible studs-first challenge on Ashley Cole, but he wasn’t punished either.
Then, to make it all worse, Riley awarded United a penalty after a clear dive from Wayne Rooney, and that brought an end to Arsenal’s Invincibles run.
Now, over two decades later, former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett has revealed that Riley was ‘sanctioned’ for his performance.
When asked about his terrible officiating in that game, Hackett tweeted: “He (Riley) received some very important operational advice after his pathetic management of a player.
“He was also sanctioned. Jeff Winter (former referee) offered him the best advice.”
Be honest. What was your immediate reaction after Manchester United ended Arsenal’s 49-game unbeaten run?
Arsene Wenger said Arsenal lost their ‘invincibility’ because of Mike Riley
Riley made several shocking decisions during that game between Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Gunners were the better side in that game, and if the referee had shown red cards to the players who deserved it, the result would’ve been very different.
In 2019, 15 years after the controversial incident, Arsenal legend Wenger was asked about that game, and the Frenchman didn’t hold back.
He said, as per GFFN: “We lost our invincibility against Manchester United in a match in which the referees were partly responsible. It was not deserved.
“If I die, I am going to ask God where the referees are before choosing between heaven and hell.”
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