Ex-Fifa official issues Gabriel Jesus claim at Arsenal as player ‘lucky’ to escape extended ban
Jonny Evans is “lucky” Gabriel Jesus is “honest” as he could have been sent off in Leicester City’s 4-2 loss to Arsenal on Saturday (13 August), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed Jesus was fouled by Evans but the referee played advantage.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme, the 25-year-old brought down a long pass from Aaron Ramsdale in the second half.
He spun past Evans who failed in his attempt to drag him to the ground just outside the penalty area.
Jesus got his shot away but the Leicester defender avoided any punishment.
Asked whether the 33-year-old was fortunate Jesus stayed on his feet, Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Yes, you’re spot on.
“He stayed on his feet, was honest and did not get the award of a sanction for his opponent. He’s fouled at that point, in my opinion.
“The one thing I would say about this incident is that this referee was in a terrific position.
“What he’s done, in fairness, is apply an advantage but not make a big scene of it. He’s allowed play to continue and a shot to be taken.
“In a way, I’m complimenting the referee, he’s made his judgement.
“I think the player is lucky but I also think I’ll go with the referee and his judgement because of his proximity to play.”
A straight red card would have seen Evans banned for Leicester’s next three games.
The Foxes host Southampton on Saturday (20 August) before travelling to Stockport County in the EFL Cup and Chelsea in the Premier League.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Arsenal have been “blinded by the cheque” after a ruling is made.