Dermot Gallagher has stepped in to explain why Wilfred Ndidi was not shown a second yellow card during Leicester City’s match against Arsenal, a decision that has left many Arsenal supporters feeling frustrated.
The Gunners have had a tumultuous relationship with refereeing decisions this season, particularly when it comes to red cards for delaying restarts, and the Ndidi incident has only added fuel to the fire.
Much of the frustration stems from a series of controversial moments, starting with Declan Rice’s red card against Brighton earlier in the season.
Rice was dismissed for kicking the ball away after a free kick was awarded, an action that has now seen Arsenal reduced to 10 men on two occasions this term.
The following week, Leandro Trossard found himself in a similar position against Manchester City, receiving a red card for the same infraction.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, voiced his discontent following both incidents and made a tongue-in-cheek comment on how his team might avoid such dismissals in the future:
“I reflected post-match and it’s the same reflection today. I was very clear about it, I think. Passing the ball you mean? Yeah. I think so, just leave the ball, don’t touch the ball. We play without the ball.”
His remarks captured the exasperation of many Arsenal supporters, who feel that the rules have been applied inconsistently when it comes to their team.
Gallagher’s Defence of the Ndidi Decision
During the match between Arsenal and Leicester, Wilfred Ndidi, already on a yellow card, kicked the ball away after a foul in midfield. Unlike Rice and Trossard, Ndidi was not dismissed, a decision that has raised eyebrows among the Arsenal faithful.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, speaking about the incident, defended the decision, explaining why Ndidi avoided a second booking:
“He doesn’t stop or delay the restart. There’s no one there who can possibly take a free-kick. Saka’s on the floor, can’t take it. There’s not an Arsenal player anywhere near it. If you want players yellow carded for that, we’re going to have a lot of players sat in the stands this season.”
Gallagher’s explanation, however, has done little to calm Arsenal supporters. They argue that similar situations involving their players have been judged much more harshly.
The inconsistency has become a source of ongoing frustration, particularly given the impact such decisions have had on their performances this season.
VAR and Arsenal’s Goal Debate
Gallagher also addressed another contentious moment from the match – the decision to allow Arsenal’s goal to stand, despite claims from Leicester fans of a foul in the build-up. Gallagher stated that the referee made a clear decision on the pitch, and VAR had no authority to overrule it:
“The referee quite clearly says there’s no foul. The game goes on and they score, but it goes on a long time. VAR, in my mind, has no right to go back and re-referee that situation. The on-field referee’s call was no foul, and he’s so close.”
Inconsistent Refereeing?
This season, Arsenal have been penalised more than any other team for delaying restarts, and fans believe the officiating has been inconsistent.
Howard Webb, head of refereeing, commented on Declan Rice’s dismissal earlier in the season, reinforcing that delaying restarts would be punished:
“We’ve messaged very clearly and strongly to the players in pre-season around the importance of not getting involved with the ball once the whistle is gone, not delaying the restart in that way,” Webb said.
This inconsistency is at the heart of Arsenal fans’ grievances, as they feel such decisions have unfairly cost them points, having played with 10 men twice already this campaign.