‘Just can’t understand’: Ian Wright fuming at David Luiz’s Arsenal red card

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Former Arsenal striker and club legend, Ian Wright, says the red card issued to David Luiz at Wolves last night left him ‘gutted’.

The Brazilian defender saw red for a minimal trip on new Wolves player, Willian Jose. Luiz gave a penalty away and was then shown the red for being deemed to be clearly denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Arsenal endured further misery when Bernd Leno was also shown a red card in the 72nd minute. It put the dampeners on which was an otherwise good Gunners performance. And Wright, speaking following the game, admitted the Luiz red left him reeling.

“Goalkeeper, in the end, a big mistake from Bernd Leno, but David Luiz on half-time was a tough one to take,” Wright told Sport Optus.

“The way he supposedly challenged him and stopped a goal scoring opportunity when he was around the back of him, I just can’t understand. Maybe because I’m an Arsenal man, but very tough to take that one especially how we started, so well.”

Both players will now miss crucial game-time for the Gunners. To compound the misery, Mikel Arteta may also be without new goalkeeper, Mat Ryan, who is injured.

It could mean another chance for Alex Runarsson to show his worth. The stopper has been left out of the most recent Europa League squad today but could well be called upon this weekend.

TBR View: Luiz moment was the game-change, Wright is right to be annoyed

The goalkeeper sending off meant the last 15 minutes were going to be tough for Arsenal but the Luiz red changed the entire game.

It was harsh, too. Based on the rules, you can see why the ref and VAR have given it. But based on common sense and football in general, it is a very hard call to take for Arsenal fans.

Luiz was also visibly gutted and he knew instantly the impact on the game it would have.