Campbell ‘gobsmacked’ after ‘disgraceful’ Arsenal footage emerges
Kevin Campbell has insisted James McArthur’s late challenge on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace was a “definite red card”.
The former Gunners striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, branded the first-half incident a “disgraceful challenge”.
As shown by footage from Sky Sports , Crystal Palace midfielder McArthur appeared to volley Saka’s standing leg well after the ball had gone.
The challenge forced Saka off through injury at the interval.
The 32-cap Scotland midfielder escaped with just a booking from match referee Mike Dean, with VAR declining to intervene.
The decision provoked the ire of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who was quoted post-match by Sky Sports – branding the incident “clear and obvious”.
He added that the refereeing decision “didn’t make sense”.
Campbell insisted the Palace midfielder “didn’t even go for the ball” with his wild challenge.
“It was a disgraceful challenge, and it’s very rarely I saw things like that,” he told Football Insider.
“That was a definite red card. He didn’t even go for the ball – he was nowhere near the ball.
“If we’re talking about dangerous play, volleying a player’s standing leg – the more I see it, the more it’s a red card, for me.
“But it was right in front of the referee and he gave a yellow card. McArthur got away with quite a lot last night.
“He [the referee] will have to explain that to me because I’m gobsmacked.”
In other news, a pundit has pointed the finger at one Arsenal star for his Palace performance.