Arsenal fans have been left furious after Jarred Gillett was named as the referee for Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham.
Gillett, 37, was the referee for the Gunners’ opening Premier League game of the season as they defeated Wolves 2-0 at the Emirates last month.
The Australian official angered Arsenal supporters in that match when he didn’t send off Wolves star Yerson Mosquera after he grabbed Kai Havertz by the throat.
Last season, Gillett disallowed a last-minute Havertz goal against Aston Villa, which has also been referenced by Arsenal fans on social media before the derby.
‘How is it that there are 21 Premier League referees yet after 4 games this season we would have already had Jarred bloody Gillett twice,’ @afc_richard posted on X.
‘Just to add insult to our injuries, the useless Jarred Gillett is Sunday’s ref,’ @willow1886 added. ‘They really do hate us.’
Analysing the decision to not send off Mosquera in Arsenal’s win over Wolves, @clockendsniper said: ‘Jarred Gillett didn’t even think this was worthy of a yellow card let alone red. Despite his history with us will now be in charge in 2 of our first 4 games.’
Arsenal supporter @marky249 suggested that the assistant referees and VAR would be made up of Spurs legends and famous fans after Gillett’s appointment.
‘Tottenham – #Arsenal on Sunday: Referee: Jarred Gillett,’ he posted. ‘Assistants: Glenn Hoddle, Jamie O’Hara. Fourth official: Ledley King. VAR: Lord Alan Sugar.’
Another Arsenal fan pointed out that Gillett is the same nationality as Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou.
‘Jarred Gillett… Australian football referee,’ @highburyhigh posted. ‘Will ref for Ange NLD derby on Sunday, can they not actually find referees that are signed to the actual clubs we play?
‘Surely just being from that area doesn’t count anymore why doesn’t he just come out in a Spurs shirt? Fix.’
Gunners supporter @toneharper10 said: ‘A reminder that Jarred Gillett gave a controversial penalty to Brisbane Roar in a Grand Final at a time his girlfriend worked for the club, which was then coached by…. Ange Postecoglou.’