Keith Hackett has urged for an evaluation of referee Chris Kavanagh’s performance following the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea on Sunday. The Gunners triumphed with a 1-0 scoreline, courtesy of Mikel Merino’s header in the first half, narrowing the points difference between them and league leaders Liverpool to 12.
However, Hackett, a former chief of PGMOL and ex-FIFA official, expressed his disappointment with Kavanagh’s decision-making during the match at the Emirates Stadium, particularly regarding the failure to dismiss Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana. He remarked to Football Insider, “In reviewing Fofana’s challenges from yesterday, one must question how he remained on the pitch.”
Hackett contends that one of Fofana’s challenges warranted a straight red card, while two others should have resulted in yellow cards. Regarding Kavanagh’s officiating, Hackett stated, “The fact that those two earlier challenges went unpunished raises concerns, as this does not reflect the level of officiating expected at the top tier.”
“I hope that somebody in power reviews his performance, and that he as a referee, receives some operational advice.”
Concerns regarding the quality of officiating in the Premier League have been raised repeatedly this season by both fans and analysts. Earlier in the 2024-25 season, Kavanagh faced significant criticism for his choice to issue a red card to Arsenal’s Declan Rice during the match against Brighton.
Chelsea and Premier League Condemn Fofana Abuse
Chelsea defender targeted online following Arsenal clash
Following the match at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, both Chelsea and the Premier League have denounced the online racist abuse directed at Fofana. The 24-year-old France international remarked that “stupidity and cruelty can no longer be concealed” and emphasized that “it is time for change.”
In a statement reported by BBC Sport, Chelsea Football Club expressed its outrage, stating, “We are appalled and disgusted by the recent increase in online racial abuse aimed at our players. The abhorrent treatment that Wes Fofana has endured after yesterday’s game is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
“Wes and all our players have our full support. We will work with the relevant authorities in identifying the perpetrators and take the strongest possible action.”
The Premier League expressed its deep dismay regarding the abuse, stating: “We collaborate with social media platforms and relevant authorities to ensure that anyone found guilty of such behavior faces the most severe repercussions. Football is inclusive, and discrimination has no place in our sport or in society at large.”
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