Arsenal fans react to James Tarkowski challenge after Nketiah red

Add as preferred source on Google

Following Tuesday night’s draw with Leicester City, many Arsenal fans were already feeling aggrieved over the apparent lack of consistency from those officiating the game.

Jamie Vardy escaped punishment for catching Shkodran Mustafi in the face with his boot during the first-half.

It is impossible to prove how much Vardy knew about the challenge he was making. But the decision to not penalise the striker arguably became a lot more perplexing later on in the game.

Eddie Nketiah was sent off during the second-half for a challenge on James Justin. Nketiah certainly appears to catch Justin, but it must be noted that he has little chance to stop himself as he looked to challenge for the ball.

The frustration was compounded by the VAR spending some time looking at the incident. The referee was subsequently instructed to have another look on the pitch-side monitor. He then decided to dismiss Nketiah.

The similarities between the two clashes meant that it was difficult not to have some sympathy for Arsenal.

And it became impossible following Burnley’s win over West Ham the following day.

James Tarkowski was booked for a challenge on Jarrod Bowen. Tarkowski caught Bowen down the back of the leg with the bottom of his boot as the Hammers forward looked to shield the ball from the centre-back.

It could certainly be argued that Tarkowski’s attempt to win the ball was more aggressive than Nketiah’s. And yet, no further action was taken against the Clarets star.

Unsurprisingly therefore, plenty of Arsenal fans took to Twitter to express their disbelief at the decision.

They are adamant that Tarkowski should have been sent off like Nketiah had been. And they cannot understand how the Burnley man has not been subsequently dismissed.

There is some optimism however, that Tarkowski escaping a red card should mean that Nketiah’s dismissal is overturned on appeal.

Here is what some of the Arsenal supporters were saying following Tarkowski’s foul on Bowen…