FULL-TIME 2-0: PGMOL finally Overturned Bukayo Saka penalty decision last night as recent Var review spotted an error – as FA releases official statement this morning
The Premier League has confirmed that VAR reviewed Kai Havertz’s controversial second-half challenge on Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium and decided that the incident did not meet the threshold for serious foul play.
Havertz scored the decisive goal on Monday night as Arsenal moved a step closer to winning their first Premier League title since 2004. The Germany international headed home from Bukayo Saka’s corner in the first half to secure a vital three points for Mikel Arteta’s side in a tense encounter against the already relegated Clarets.
The result leaves Arsenal knowing that victory over Crystal Palace on the final day of the season would guarantee the Premier League title, while they could even be crowned champions earlier if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.
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Despite dominating possession for large periods, Arsenal struggled to fully capitalise on their superiority and were forced to defend their narrow advantage throughout the second half. Burnley remained competitive in north London and nearly punished the hosts on several occasions during a nervy finish.
The game’s biggest talking point arrived in the 68th minute when Havertz lunged from behind on Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu deep inside the Burnley half. Replays showed the Arsenal forward missing the ball entirely before making contact with the French midfielder’s calf with his studs.
Referee Michael Oliver immediately produced a yellow card for Havertz, while VAR reviewed the challenge to determine whether the booking should be upgraded to a red card. After a short check, officials confirmed the on-field decision would stand.
Shortly afterwards, the Premier League Match Centre released an official statement on social media explaining the outcome of the review. The statement read: “The referee’s call of yellow card to Havertz was checked and confirmed by VAR — with the challenge deemed not to be serious foul play.”
The decision sparked debate among pundits and supporters, with some believing Havertz was fortunate to remain on the pitch given the nature of the challenge. However, former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira defended the officials’ decision during the post-match analysis.
Speaking on television coverage after the match, Vieira said he agreed with the referee’s judgement and did not believe the challenge carried enough force to justify a dismissal. The Frenchman stated that while the tackle was reckless, the yellow card was ultimately “a fair decision.”
Havertz’s goal and his involvement in the controversial incident capped another eventful evening for the former Chelsea forward, who has become increasingly influential during Arsenal’s title run-in.
The 26-year-old has delivered several important performances in recent weeks as Arteta’s side continue balancing their domestic ambitions alongside preparations for the UEFA Champions League final later this month.
