Premier League forced to issue Arsenal red card statement after Riccardo Calafiori controversy

Match officials in the VAR hub for Arsenal’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace did not deem Nathaniel Clyne’s challenge on Riccardo Calafiori as a red card offence, after judging that the tackle did not constitute serious foul play.

Calafiori was left writhing in pain after a forceful lunge from Clyne, who escaped with a yellow card. The Arsenal defender required treatment on the pitch but was able to continue.

The tackle was checked by the VAR to assess whether referee Simon Hooper has made a clear and obvious error with his call. However, those at Stockley Park ultimately concurred with the on-field decision.

The Premier League soon released a statement explaining their reasoning behind the decision to not upgrade Clyne’s yellow card to red. Writing on its Match Centre account on X (formerly Twitter), it said: “The referee issued a yellow card to Clyne for a challenge on Calafiori.

“VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call, deeming that the challenge was reckless and not serious foul play.”

Ahead of the season, the Premier League committed to promptly explaining the big decisions made by officials during games via social media.

While Calafiori was fine to complete the remainder of the match, Mikel Arteta has been left sweating over the fitness of Bukayo Saka, who was forced off in the first half with injury. The winger appears to have sustained a hamstring problem.

After crossing a ball with a little over 20 minutes gone, Saka immediately pulled up and flagged to the bench to indicate his setback. He was flanked by members of the medical team as he exited the pitch in place of Leandro Trossard. The severity of his setback is not yet clear.

Arsenal, who move up to third in the table thanks to the win over Palace, next face Ipswich Town on Friday before a New Year’s Day trip to Brentford.