The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not recommend a red card for Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber during their 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, as his challenge on Pedro Porro was not considered “serious foul play.”
In a heated first half, referee Jarrad Gillett issued seven yellow cards, setting a new Premier League record. Timber received one in the 35th minute, but Spurs players argued that it should have been a red card.
Timber’s challenge involved him planting his foot on the top of the ball, which led to contact with Porro. The foul sparked a confrontation between the teams, with Timber clashing briefly with Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario before tensions eased.
The tackle was reviewed by VAR, but the initial decision of a yellow card was upheld. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville explained: “VAR determined that Timber’s foot stayed on the ball without rolling over, which prevented it from being a red card.”