Kai Havertz red card truth emerges as Arsenal star sent damning verdict over Brentford incident

Kai Havertz should have been sent off during Arsenal's recent 2-1 victory against Brentford, a refereeing panel has found.

Havertz scored the winning goal in the Gunners' triumph over the Bees on March 9, though avoided a red card 21 minutes earlier for simulation inside the penalty area.

The German appeared to go to ground while vying for the ball alongside Nathan Collins, but was not punished with a second yellow card for his actions. Referee Rob Jones decided against handing out any punishment and VAR could not recommend a review as it does not intervene for yellow card offences.

It has since been determined by the Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel that Havertz was deserving of a dismissal and should not have been on the pitch to net a winner for Mikel Arteta's side. The KMI panel is made up of five members: three former players or coaches from a pool of five retained by the top flight, plus a representative from the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL). They sit down each week to review the most contentious decisions.

On this occasion, all five individuals were of the opinion the Arsenal No.29 should have been given his marching orders. Their assessment read: “Havertz is already falling when the defender makes contact, brushing Havertz’s hip. The panel unanimously agreed the on-field decision was incorrect and Havertz should have been awarded a second caution for a ‘clear act of simulation’. ”

Brentford boss Thomas Frank could not hide his anger after he full-time whistle, having seen Havertz remain on the pitch and snatch all three points late on.

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