By Noel Whelan

3rd May, 2022 | 7:00am

Arsenal news: Pundit issues 'awful' claim as 'dangerous' Aaron Ramsdale controversy analysed

Noel Whelan has slammed Mike Dean after he adjudged Jarrod Bowen to have dived over a “dangerous” challenge from Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 23-year-old’s challenge prevented a potential goal-scoring opportunity.

Ramsdale charged out of his penalty area and launched a studs-up lunge into Bowen as he raced in behind the Arsenal defence.

The West Ham man went over with no contact made – causing Dean to book the forward for simulation.

Whelan insisted Bowen was simply dodging the inevitable contact from the England shot-stopper.

He claimed referee Dean got the decision “completely wrong” and slammed the inaction of the Video Assistant Referee system.

“They’re both committed to getting the ball,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“But it’s a foul. He dodges the contact, which brings him down – but if the tackle doesn’t come in, it’s a goal-scoring opportunity.

“I’m not saying it’s a sending off, there were people covering round – but it’s dangerous and it stopped a real chance.

“It wasn’t a dive by any stretch of the imagination – that’s an awful decision. The referee got it completely wrong, and that’s the inconsistency we’ve been talking about all season with the VAR.”

Arsenal went on to win the game 2-1 to retake fourth spot in the Premier League.

Ramsdale’s side are in the box seat to secure Champions League qualification ahead of a meeting with closest rivals Tottenham later this month.

In other news, pundit claims Arsenal could hand midfield ace new deal after confirmed news.