Football fans are calling for Arsenal player to be retrospectively banned after incident in FA Cup clash with Man United

Yesterday at 12:40 PM

Arsenal and Manchester United rolled back the years in terms of feistiness as they battled it out on FA Cup action at The Emirates.

United and Arsenal have been involved in some big battles over the years and many look back at the FA Cup semi-final clash in 1999 as one of the most intense games in the competition’s history.

However, with both clubs desperate to advanced to the fourth round of the cup, tempers flared in a pulsating encounter in north London.

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After Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead, Diogo Dalot was sent off on the hour with Gabriel equalising just minutes after for the Gunners.

But the real flashpoint came ten minutes later when Kai Havertz went down in the box under what looked like minimal contact with Harry Maguire. In fact, replays showed that Havertz actually kicked Maguire, but with no VAR, the referee’s decision of giving a penalty stood.

Maguire was absolutely fuming with Havertz as tensions hit boiling point, with Havertz eventually being downed by Manuel Ugarte and Alejandro Garnacho in the ensuing scramble.

And as expected, social media is awash with football fans reacting to the incident, with many suggesting Havertz actually get a retrospective ban.

Fans want Kai Havertz banned for his dive during Arsenal v Manchester United

With so many talking points in the game, the issue with Havertz and the penalty decision has become the dominating factor.

Indeed, it seems plenty of fans want the German banned, owing to a specific rule which could see him miss more games.

Another fan, @Downzee12, also called for there to be action against Havertz after his behaviour.

“Pathetic from Havertz, retrospective action needs to be taken against players who do bullshit like diving”

The fallout has spread among other fans as well, with West Ham supporter @IrishIron calling for Havertz to be banned.

“That’s proper disgusting from Havertz. Should be a serious ban.”

While discussing the lack of VAR, @Jimmyyy_____ made the point of fans actually missing the technology for once.

“And some of you lot want VAR scrapped, this is exactly why it needs to stay. Blatant cheating from Havertz and he's got away with, disgraceful”

And in terms of the length of ban, @Chrisdevlingolf believes the German needs a lengthy time out.

“Havertz is such a disgrace for that dive! Should absolutely be banned for 6 games for cheating!”

Could Kai Havertz be banned retrospectively?

In terms of the actual laws of the game, then the answer to Havertz being retrospectively banned for diving is yes.

However, the FA and Premier League have not implemented it once since the inception of VAR, as ESPN’s VAR expert Dale Johnson explained.

The FA’s official website explains the following, which suggests Havertz could well be banned, albeit unlikely given the wording.

“Where there is clear and overwhelming evidence to suggest a match official has been deceived by an act of simulation, and as a direct result, the offending player's team has been awarded a penalty and/or an opposing player has been dismissed, The FA will be able to act retrospectively under its Fast Track system.

“A panel consisting of one ex-match official, one ex-manager and one ex-player will be asked to review all available video footage of the incident independently of one another and then advise The FA as to whether they believe it was an offence of 'Successful Deception of a Match Official'. Only in circumstances where the panel are unanimous would The FA charge the individual concerned.”

Havertz could still face a nervous wait though and if he is banned, then it’s another angle of attack for Arsenal fans who already feel aggrieved at the PGMOL.