William Saliba red card: Arsenal legend reacts to shock decision with ace to miss Liverpool clash

Robin Bairner

• 19 Oct 2024 12:59 CDT
• 4 min read

William Saliba’s red card for Arsenal against Bournemouth is bound to go down as one of the most controversial refereeing decisions of the season.

Saliba tugged back Cherries striker Evanilson when a loose pass from Leandro Trossard appeared bound to have set him free on goal.

However, the home player had not yet got the ball under control and was still close to the halfway line when he was pulled back by the France international centre-back. There was also a case that right-back Ben White might have been providing sufficient cover to challenge the forward.

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William Saliba

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William Saliba

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Referee Rob Jones gave the defender a yellow card but VAR intervened to see Saliba sent off.

Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott, a two-time FA Cup winner and veteran of 270 Premier League matches with the club, told Sky Sports that he believed the decision was the correct one.

“It’s an absolute foul,” said the former Gunners and England winger when watching a replay of the incident. “I think when you look at the situation, any professional footballer now, when they’re clean through on goal, it’s a clear scoring opportunity.

“For me, the decision is probably the right one. Now we’re looking at a situation where you’re judging the pace of players: will he or will he not be there.”

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Saliba to miss Liverpool clash

Fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp also backed referee Rob Jones in the situation.

“As soon as it happened, I thought: ‘William Saliba, you’re in trouble here,’” he said. “As soon as Trossard plays that ball, he makes a big mistake, he’s got no control of the ball.

“Saliba is trying to squeeze up the play, but as Trossard plays that ball, it’s panic. He then grabs hold of him. I’ve no doubt at all, he’s one of the quickest defenders in the Premier League, he would have got back in time. Is it a foul? Absolutely.

“You have to rely on: is he going to get a shot away? We both agree that yes. That’s how they’ve got to this conclusion. It’s harsh but it’s the right decision.”

Saliba, who is widely considered the Premier League’s best centre-back, is now set to miss the Gunners’ vital clash with Liverpool.