Keith Hackett has demanded an investigation into referee Chris Kavanagh’s performance after Sunday’s Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal. Mikel Merino’s header in the first half gave the Gunners a 1-0 victory, cutting the distance between them and league leaders Liverpool to 12 points.
But Kavanagh’s choices at the Emirates Stadium, especially his inability to dismiss Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, have left former PGMOL chief and former FIFA official Hackett devastated. “When you look back at those challenges Fofana made yesterday, you have to ask, ‘How did he stay on the pitch?'” he told Football Insider.
According to Hackett, two distinct fouls were worth yellows, but one of Fofana’s challenges was deserving of a straight red card. “Those earlier two challenges that went unpunished by him is a worry, because this is not the standard of officiating that you expect at the highest level,” Hackett continued when discussing Kavanagh’s performance.
“I hope that someone in a position of authority evaluates his performance and gives him some operational guidance as a referee.”
🌋 “That for me is totally 𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆.” – Ex-PGMOL chief @HACKETTREF blasts Premier League officials following ‘red card’ controversy in Arsenal-Chelsea clash. pic.twitter.com/0Kt4SqIFer
— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) March 17, 2025
This season, both supporters and commentators have questioned the Premier League’s officiating standards on multiple occasions. Earlier in the 20224–25 season, Kavanagh faced harsh criticism over his choice to bench Declan Rice of Arsenal against Brighton.
Chelsea and Premier League Condemn Fofana Abuse
Chelsea defender targeted online following Arsenal clash
Following Sunday’s game at the Emirates Stadium, Chelsea and the Premier League have denounced the racist online taunts that Fofana received. According to the 24-year-old France international, “stupidity and cruelty can no longer hide” and “time for things to change” is now.
Chelsea released a statement saying, “Chelsea Football Club is appalled and disgusted by the recent rise in online racial abuse towards our players,” according to BBC Sport. “After yesterday’s match, Wes Fofana has been the target of disgusting harassment that will not be allowed to continue.
“We are fully behind Wes and every one of our guys. In order to find the offenders and implement the most severe measures, we will collaborate with the appropriate authorities.”
“We work with the social media platforms and the authorities to ensure any individuals found guilty of abuse face the strongest possible consequences,” the Premier League said in response to the abuse, expressing its “appalled” sentiment. Discrimination has no place in our game or in society at large since football is for everyone.”
