‘VAR is a joke’ – Kai Havertz decision sparks outrage as Arsenal star accused of gamesmanship

talkSPORT’s Stuart Pearce couldn’t believe Arsenal were awarded a penalty against Bournemouth for a foul on Kai Havertz.

The Gunners dominated the first-half against the Cherries but were unable to find a way through until the stroke of half-time.

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Many fans believe that he left his leg trailing to secure the contactCredit: Getty

Havertz was brought down inside the area by goalkeeper Mark Travers and after a VAR review, the spot-kick was not overturned.

However, replays show the Arsenal forward appeared to leave his leg trailing to initiate contact with the Bournemouth man.

Speaking on commentary for talkSPORT, England legend Pearce said: “You know and I know that Havertz has left his trailing foot there and skimmed it over the goalkeeper.

“If you’re going to outlaw players going down cheaply, you don’t give this as a penalty, but they will. They’ll say there was contact, but who initiated the contact? You tell me… but I wouldn’t give that if I was a referee.”

Host Sam Matterface added: “Having gone past the goalkeeper, if Havertz stays on his feet can just put the ball in the net. Why has he felt the necessity to go down?

“He’d gone around the goalkeeper and had he stayed on his feet he would have had a tap-in for a goal. Why has he done that?”

Pearce replied: “There was contact, but by who? The referees and VAR will just hide behind that ‘clear and obvious’ scenario, but if I was in the VAR booth I’d tell the referee to go and have a look for yourself.”

Fans on social media also expressed their outrage with the decision and questioned why VAR did not advise the referee to take another look.

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Footage appeared to show Havertz dragging his trailing legCredit: TNT Sports

talkSPORT’s Mark Goldbridge said: “Fair play Havertz but he’s played the game there. Deliberately drags his foot. VAR is a f****** joke not turning that round. What’s the point in it.”

A second social media user said: “This game has been completely ruined because of VAR. Players going down like dominoes these days. Soft, soft culture. Shame on Kai Havertz.”

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A third put: “That is never a penalty. Havertz leaves his leg out to initiate the contact.”

Bukayo Saka was on hand to score the penalty to give Arsenal the lead as they continue their chase for the Premier League title.

There was more controversy in the second-half as Bournemouth saw a goal disallowed for a seemingly soft foul on goalkeeper David Raya.

The on-field decision was given in Arsenal’s favour and VAR once again decided not to intervene after a lengthy review of the evidence.

Goals from Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice later sealed a 3-0 win for Arsenal to take them four points clear at the top of the table.

However, Manchester City have a game in hand and can close the gap to a point with victory over Wolves on Saturday evening.

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