Ex-Premier League referee: McArthur deserves extended ban as controversial Arsenal footage emerges
James McCarthur should have been sent off for his challenge on Bukayo Saka in Crystal Palace’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee suggested the PGMOL will review Mike Dean’s performance after he only showed a yellow card to McCarthur after he chopped Saka to the ground.
The Arsenal man was left clutching his calf and he had to be substituted at half-time.
McArthur also escaped a yellow card for a challenge just moments before his foul on Saka.
A straight red would mean the 34-year-old would have missed Crystal Palace’s next three games against Newcastle United, Man City and Wolves.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Crystal Palace’s James McCarthy should have seen red for what was a deliberate kick at his opponent Saka,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Referee Mike Dean was in a good position and needs to be reminded that the ‘lighter touch’ does not mean a challenge of this type is not yellow but red.
“It was a clear and obvious error to issue a yellow card so where was VAR Peter Bankes? Missing from action.
“I hope that the PGMOL will review and discuss this incident which eventually resulted in Saka having to go off and take no further part in the game.”
Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports after the game admitted he “could not understand” how McArthur was not given his marching orders.
Saka was replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga at the interval and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit for the game against Aston Villa on Friday night.
In other news, a 239-appearance Arsenal star may have played his final game for the club.