Martin Odegaard: Pundit laments ‘laziness’ as controversial Arsenal footage analysed
Kevin Campbell suspects referee Paul Tierney “got a little shout in his ear” before awarding Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha a penalty against Arsenal.
Nonetheless, the former Gunner and Everton striker exclusively told Football Insider that Martin Odegaard was rightfully penalised for his challenge on the 29-year-old.
As shown on Sky Sports (4 April), Zaha was awarded a late penalty against Arsenal after he was tripped by Odegaard inside the 18-yard box.
The Ivory Coast international converted the resulting spot-kick to secure a 3-0 win for the hosts.
Referee Paul Tierney took five seconds before awarding the penalty.
When asked by Football Insider as to why Tierney took so long to make the decision, Campbell said: “He wasn’t sure.
“He walked away at first so I don’t think he was sure. I think he got a little shout in his ear just to let him know that it was.
“There was contact and it was a penalty. If that had happened to an Arsenal player I’d want a penalty. Odegaard caught him.
“Zaha has the ability to lose players in the box with a quick move. That is what he did to Odegaard. He wrong-footed the defenders and Odegaard caught him. It was a pen.
“It was a silly tackle from Odegaard but that was Arsenal all night. There was laziness in their play. They weren’t at the races. They could have been playing until next week and they wouldn’t have scored.”
In other news, it can be revealed West Ham have registered their interest in signing an Arsenal star after twist.