Arsenal is considering an appeal for the red card given to William Saliba, as a new Premier League rule suggests that the decision constitutes a clear and obvious error…

Arsenal is set to decide whether to appeal William Saliba’s red card following a new Premier League regulation.

A decision regarding an appeal for William Saliba’s red card is forthcoming from Arsenal, based on a new Premier League regulation that points to the ruling being a clear and obvious error.

Mikel Arteta has indicated that the decision regarding an appeal will rest with the club, concerning Saliba’s red card issued during the match against Bournemouth on Saturday.

This marked Arsenal’s third red card of the season, as Saliba was penalized for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity by bringing down Evanilson.

When questioned about the possibility of an appeal, Arteta stated on Monday: “I believe it is more appropriate for the club to assess the situation and review other clear examples in similar circumstances before making a decision.”

The red card has sparked considerable discussion, particularly regarding its timing in relation to the goal, as Saliba fouled the Bournemouth striker just beyond the halfway line.

Evanilson would have needed to cover a significant distance before attempting a shot on goal.

Additionally, a similar incident occurred the following day during the Liverpool vs. Chelsea match, where Tosin Adarabioyo received a yellow card for a comparable foul, and VAR did not intervene.

Referees are instructed to evaluate four key factors when determining if a foul has denied a clear goalscoring opportunity:

1. The distance from the foul to the goal

2. The general direction of play

3. The likelihood of the player maintaining or regaining control of the ball

4. The position and number of defenders present

Rob Jones officiated the Bournemouth vs. Arsenal match, with Jarred Gillett overseeing VAR. Initially, Jones issued a yellow card, but after Gillett’s recommendation, he reviewed the incident and upgraded it to a red.

If Arsenal chooses to appeal, they may argue against the clear goalscoring opportunity based on two of the four criteria.

Evanilson was positioned far from the goal, and Saliba would have continued to pursue him had the foul not occurred, with Ben White also in a position to provide cover.

Furthermore, Evanilson did not have control of the ball, as it was a long pass that he would need to secure before approaching David Raya’s goal.

A new regulation has been introduced by the Premier League this season, commonly referred to as ‘Referee’s Call’. This initiative aims to eliminate subjective judgments.

The Video Assistant Referees (VARs) will review incidents related to penalty decisions and fouls but will refrain from recommending that the on-field referee change their decision in cases of subjective calls.

Therefore, if a VAR does not identify a clear and obvious error, the original decision made on the field will remain in effect.

Subjective decisions, where a VAR may disagree with the on-field referee, will not be altered unless there is a ‘clear and obvious’ mistake involved.

Was the red card issued to Saliba a clear and obvious error? Did it constitute a clear goalscoring opportunity? Opinions are divided on this matter, and considering that two of the four criteria for issuing a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity may be subject to interpretation, Arsenal may have valid grounds for an appeal.