'Let me say this....' - Ex-PGMOL chief re-analyses footage of Arsenal vs Man City red card controversy
VAR was right not to advise referee Sam Barrott to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly on Sunday in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that despite the challenge on Elliot Anderson being reckless, there is not enough excessive force to hand out a red card.
The Arsenal youngster has been heavily linked away from the Emirates in recent weeks and almost spoiled an excellent afternoon when he caught the City midfielder on the ankle.
No card was shown to the 19-year-old, despite many calling for him to receive his marching orders.
Now, after reflecting on the incident, Hackett believes that VAR were right not to get involved.
Keith Hackett: No malice in Myles Lewis-Skelly challenge
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett explained why he believed that Lewis-Skelly should not have been sent off against Man City.
He said: “It's borderline. Let me say first of all, it's reckless. I think probably what's missing is excessive force. But for me, that is a challenge that should have been seen, and should have resulted in a minimum yellow card, but it's borderline, so he's a rather fortunate guy.
“I think the VAR will have looked at that, and VAR will have said it's a yellow, hence him not coming off.
“So I back that judgement. I think for me it's not quite red, but it's certainly yellow; it's not just a free kick, it has to be sanctioned.
He later added: “I think that what doesn't make it red is that I don't see malice or brutality in the challenge. Therefore, a yellow is the appropriate situation.
“Sometimes, this is a dilemma for the referee. He recognises this is early in the season and might be a little bit more tolerant, but I think that's a danger.
“It's one that is easily missed; you've got to have the right viewing angle; VAR is right not to come in. Let's hope the VAR stays out of a lot of these types of incidents.”
Will Lewis-Skelly leave Arsenal this summer?
Last week, shock reports emerged that Arsenal had offered Lewis-Skelly out to Chelsea and Manchester United.
The England international does not want to leave, and Arsenal deny actively looking to sell him, but an offer was reportedly made and came from somewhere.
The youngster’s game time could be limited this summer thanks to numerous arrivals in the transfer window.
However, the fact that Mikel Arteta started him in the Community Shield final could be proof that the midfielder still has a part to play this season.