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Slow motion footage of Kai Havertz’s disallowed goal against Aston Villa has sparked plenty of debate amongst fans after Arsenal dropped points in the Premier League title race.



 


 



During the dying seconds of Saturday’s play in North London, Kai Havertz was under the impression that he had scored to make the score 3-2. This occurred after a shot from Mikel Merino bounced off of him and into the net. This was one of the most significant topics of contention from the match. While Havertz was celebrating, the video assistant referee (VAR) examined the play and found that the ball had contacted Havertz’s arm before it went into the goal. This occurred as many players from Aston Villa approached the referee, Chris Kavanagh, to discuss the possibility of a handball. The aim was therefore disregarded as a possibility.



 

During the interview that took place after the match, Villa striker Ollie Watkins made a suggestion that the call may have been favourable to Villa. He went on to say, “If that was against me, I think I would be disappointed.” He continued by saying, “From that vantage point, I’m not sure, but that’s what the video assistant referee is there for.”



 


As a result of the ruling, a variety of responses were received, particularly after slow-motion film of the occurrence was shared on the internet. There were some people who shared Watkins’ viewpoint, while others believed that the choice that was taken was the right one.

 

“This is very much not handball, and it hits him in the stomach,” said one of the spectators. The Premier League is once again giving Liverpool the championship. Someone another said, “From this vantage point, it certainly does not appear as though it hit his hand.” How could the VAR have missed this one?

 

Some fans, on the other hand, were more critical of the replies that Arsenal supporters provided. One of these fans made the following comment: “It’s handball and he knows what he is doing.” One more time, Arsenal supporters are expressing their dissatisfaction with the authorities, claiming that they are not cheating enough for them. As an additional point of interest, “Hits the arm on the bottom and flies up.” I can’t believe Arsenal is out here, defying both gravity and logic. “Am I the only one who legitimately thinks that this hit his stomach and not his arm?!” said a fifth supporter of the fan band.

 

Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, addressed the handball ruling in his post-match comments, stating, “Yes, I saw it [in reference to the verdict]. According to one perspective, it does not appear to be a handball, but when viewed from a another perspective, it appears to be a handball. There is no longer any doubt about it.”

 

There are a variety of perspectives on whether or not the event was a clear handball, and Arteta’s remark underscores the doubt that many supporters feel about everything that happened. Even while it appears that the judgement that was maintained by the VAR is still in effect, it is clear that there is still a great deal of disagreement on the topic.



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