Journalist now ‘baffled’ at controversial thing referee did during Arsenal defeat

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Arsenal fans were fuming at referee Jarred Gillet after some controversial decisions in yesterday’s loss to Aston Villa.

Kai Havertz had a goal ruled out for handball, whilst there was also a credible penalty shout for a foul on Gabriel Jesus.

Aston Villa secured victory and a clean sheet despite Arsenal’s dominance, and defender Diego Carlos was named as the player of the match. However, he should have arguably seen red for an elbow on substitute Eddie Nketiah.

Diego Carlos avoids red card in Arsenal defeat

The Brazilian put in a fierce performance to keep Arsenal at bay, who missed several opportunities to equalise through Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus.

However, the result could have been very different if the centre-back was awarded a red card for what appeared to be a deliberate elbow against Nketiah.

Journalist Charles Watts has now slammed the decision made by the referee and VAR team, claiming that he was “baffled” that Carlos did not see red.

“I have no idea how this is not a red card,” he posted on X.

“Also baffled at how the ref gave a yellow, when he is clearly not looking at the incident at all. Didn’t think VAR could recommend a yellow (although I’m probably wrong).”

Did the referee make the correct decision on Diego Carlos?

Carlos was awarded with a yellow card, despite the referee appearing to be in a position where he could not fully see the foul.

Many have argued that it was dangerous play from the Villa star, and he should have been sent off.

Mikel Arteta and managers across the country have been calling for consistency across the board when it comes to refereeing decisions, and in this case, this may have backfired on the Spaniard.

Arteta was furious after Arsenal lost to Newcastle, as Bruno Guimaraes should have been sent off for dangerous play after striking Jorginho in the head. One could argue that, given the lack of a red card for Guimares, failing to send off Carlos represents some consistency in decisions being made.

However, in isolation, the decision appears to be incorrect. Nketiah was impeded by Carlos using an elbow, and a red card which could have swung the game in Arsenal’s favour, should have been shown.

This was Arsenal’s second league loss of the season, with controversial decisions going against them in both games, and Arteta has every right to be furious again, especially given how marginal decisions can have a huge impact on the Premier League table.