Ex-Premier League referee explains why Kai Havertz wasn’t sent-off for Arsenal against Brentford

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher insists Kai Havertz did not deserve to be sent off for a second bookable offence in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brentford.

The Gunners looked set to drop two valuable points in the title race before Havertz intervened with a bullet 86th minute header that sent Mikel Arteta’s side, temporarily at least, back to the top of the table.

While Brentford had no gripes over the legitimacy of Havertz’s goal, Bees boss Thomas Frank felt the Germany international should have been given his marching orders earlier in the second half.

Already on a yellow card, Havertz threw himself to the ground in the 65th minute in search of a penalty following a challenge from Nathan Collins.