Former Arsenal player Ian Wright has criticised referee Craig Pawson after another missed call in Arsenal’s most recent match against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Ian Wright has been talking about Arsenal and their title push all year. However, after Arsenal’s match against Leicester City, Wright did not hold back about referee Craig Pawson.
After Bukayo Saka made a run into the box for a cross, the Arsenal star was dragged down by Leicester City player Harry Souttar. After an appeal for a penalty, Craig Pawson decided for play to resume.
Ian Wright had to say this about the decision:
“That was a ridiculous decision. Another phenomenal mistake.”
Arsenal seem to have had bad luck when it comes to referee decisions this season, particularly in the winter term. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta who has had clashes with match officials during and after matches, seemed to back off on the question:
“I don’t know, I haven’t seen that image. No comment”
Arsenal also had their first goal disallowed for a foul by Ben White, taking away Leandro Trossard’s opener for the Gunners. Ben White was called for holding Danny Ward’s hand as he went for a punch on the ball.
Arsenal also had bad refereeing when it came to their home match against Brentford, which saw them draw 1-1 after a missed offsides call. The VAR referee Lee Mason was sacked after his blunder in this match.
It seemed to be Saka was impeded, dragged down and was in a goal-scoring opportunity, yet their was no check from referee Craig Pawson. Even with no penalty, and a goal taken away, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli’s goal was the difference between the two clubs.
After the match, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believed Arsenal should’ve been awarded a penalty.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Arsenal SHOULD have had a penalty for the foul on Bukayo Saka against Leicester City.
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) February 27, 2023
Arsenal’s 1-0 win helped them grab three vital points, but it could have been a very different story thanks to another VAR error, luckily this time it didn’t cost Arsenal.
