Ref Watch: Arsenal victims of ‘pantomime’ VAR as controversial Alexandre Lacazette footage emerges
Keith Hackett has claimed Arsenal should have had a penalty for a foul on Alexandre Lacazette during their 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday (19 February).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed referee Jon Moss should have been told to overturn his initial decision by VAR operator Lee Mason.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme, Arsenal appealed for a penalty for a challenge on Lacazette on the edge of the six-yard box from both Pontuss Janson and Kristoffer Ajer.
It came after Ben White went down after a kick from a Brentford player but Moss waved play on both times.
“What we see is the continued, blocking and pulling in the penalty area is going unpunished,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“These are fouls that should be punished by the match officials.
“This is about the relationship between referee and the VAR operator. The VAR operator is that extra pair of eyes and should help the referee and didn’t.
“The foul on Lacazette was a clear penalty kick. No question.
“It’s Moss and Mason, it’s a pantomime when they are out on the field. I don’t think it was a great performance by the referee and VAR.”
Arsenal were able to secure the three points thanks to goals from academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
They are just four points the top-four and have three games in hand over Man United who currently occupy the final relegation place.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has dropped a £63million Arsenal reveal as Stan Kroenke’s plan is revealed.