Exclusive: Arsenal denied 'clear' penalty by 'amazing' Chris Kavanagh error
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Arsenal were denied a penalty by referee Chris Kavanagh against Chelsea despite a “clear” handball offence, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he was amazed Marc Cucurella hadn’t been penalised by either the referee or VAR.
Arsenal went on to secure a 1-0 win at the Emirates as they once again struggled to create clear chances, but the game could have been more comfortable with the award of a penalty.
Mikel Arteta’s side remain second in the Premier League following the victory, 12 points behind league-leaders Liverpool and four clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest.
This comes days after industry expert Mick Brown told Football Insider that Arteta is not happy with Arsenal’s season so far as frustrations continue to grow.
However, a victory against Chelsea will ease tensions while his group of injured players are edging closer to returns to full fitness.
Arsenal shouts for penalty waved away after Chelsea controversy
In a game packed with controversy, the most notable moment came as Cucurella appeared to clearly handle the ball inside the box.
Replays of the incident showed he had extended his arm to shift the ball away from the advancing Jurrien Timber as the Arsenal man looked to break free.
However, both Kavanagh and VAR official Jarred Gillett decided that the left-back’s arm was in a natural position and no on-field review was recommended.
Arsenal fans and neutrals were both left stunned by the decision as Cucurella avoided punishment despite footage clearly showing the offence.
This is not the first refereeing decision to have gone against Arsenal in the last week after Anthony Taylor was slammed v Man United after failing to correctly line up the wall from a free kick.
Keith Hackett stunned after Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella incident
Hackett was stunned by the officials’ decision, insisting the arm was not in a natural position and Cucurella had the “clear intention” of moving the ball.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he explained: “The player moves his hand towards the ball, purposely holding it down to make contact with the ball.
“You would judge a natural position here as akin to when you are running.
“When a player in running, invariably the arm is bent and the bottom half of the arm is straight forward.
“In this situation, Cucurella of Chelsea has kept his arm straight down with the clear intention of helping the ball along.
“It’s amazing that the referee has not seen it and VAR has not come in to help him.
“That is exactly the type of offense that needs to be punished – it’s a big incident missed by the match officials.“
Arsenal’s next fixture comes after the international break as they face a visit from Fulham on 1 April, with the break providing a chance for injured players to return.
Gabriel Martinelli was back in the starting XI against Chelsea, with all eyes now on Bukayo Saka amid initial concerns he may miss the rest of the season.
However, recent reports have claimed he could return to first-team training following the international break in what will come as a huge boost to Arteta’s side.
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The post Exclusive: Arsenal denied 'clear' penalty by 'amazing' Chris Kavanagh error appeared first on Football Insider.
