Arsenal fans have been left frustrated once again by the inconsistency of Premier League referees. This time, it was Micky van de Ven who escaped a possible red card during Tottenham’s recent 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. Just over a week after William Saliba was sent off for a last-man foul against Bournemouth, another similar incident has gone unpunished.
The controversy continued as Tosin Adarabioyo was allowed to remain on the pitch for Chelsea during their clash with Liverpool, despite a questionable challenge on Diogo Jota. The VAR checks deemed both Adarabioyo and Van de Ven to be different from Saliba in terms of impact and position on the field.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher explained the differences between the incidents on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch. Gallagher cited several factors, including the player’s position, the direction of the ball, and the distance from the goal, to justify the decisions made by the officials.
In another contentious moment, Van de Ven was involved in a clash with Ismaila Sarr, resulting in calls for him to be sent off by the Selhurst Park crowd. However, referee Darren Bond only issued a yellow card, which was upheld after a VAR review.
The decision not to send off Van de Ven once again raised questions about the consistency of officiating in the Premier League. Despite the similarities between the incidents involving Saliba, Adarabioyo, and Van de Ven, the outcomes differed greatly.
As Arsenal prepare for their crucial match against Liverpool without Saliba, the frustration over the perceived injustices will only grow. The lack of VAR intervention in these situations further fuels the debate over the need for greater consistency in refereeing decisions.
The controversy surrounding these incidents highlights the challenges faced by referees in making split-second decisions that can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match. With technology like VAR available to assist officials, the hope is that future incidents will be adjudicated more consistently and fairly.
In conclusion, the recent incidents involving Saliba, Adarabioyo, and Van de Ven have once again raised questions about the consistency and fairness of refereeing decisions in the Premier League. As Arsenal and other teams continue to be affected by controversial calls, there is a growing demand for greater transparency and accountability in officiating. Only time will tell if the authorities will address these concerns and ensure a more level playing field for all teams.
