BREAKING NEWS: Premier League assigns referee with a contentious history involving Arsenal to oversee the Tottenham match.
The Premier League has chosen a controversial referee with a history of officiating Arsenal games, Jarred Gillett, to oversee the North London Derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal on Sunday. This decision may not sit well with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, considering Gillett’s track record with the club.
Gillett’s most recent involvement with Arsenal came during their opening weekend match against Wolves, a game that stirred up frustration among Arsenal fans. The match’s pivotal moment involved a clash between Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera and Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, where Mosquera grabbed Havertz by the throat. Despite the apparent severity of the incident, Gillett and VAR chose not to issue a red card, leaving fans and commentators puzzled and infuriated. This was just one of several incidents during the game that upset Arsenal supporters.
Now, Gillett will officiate his second Arsenal game of the Premier League season, just four games in, prompting criticism from Arsenal fans who have voiced their displeasure on social media. The timing of this appointment, given his recent history with the team, has been particularly contentious.
Arteta faces additional challenges heading into the derby, as injuries continue to plague his squad, with key players like new signing Mikel Merino and captain Martin Odegaard sidelined.
Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Wolves was marked by several controversial moments, including another altercation involving Mosquera and Gabriel Jesus, where Jesus accused Mosquera of inappropriate contact. Despite reacting and receiving a yellow card, Jesus was left angered as Mosquera escaped punishment once again, further heightening tensions in the Arsenal camp.
Gillett’s controversial history with Arsenal extends beyond this season. Last year, he disallowed a late goal from Kai Havertz in a match against Aston Villa, despite claims that his view was obstructed. VAR did not intervene, adding to Arsenal’s frustration. Additionally, on New Year’s Day 2022, Gillett served as VAR in Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City, where his intervention overturned a penalty decision against Granit Xhaka, ruling in City’s favor.
Adding to the controversy are media reports from Gillett’s native Australia suggesting his affinity for Liverpool, with rumors fueled by his involvement in a charity game at Anfield. These details have only served to heighten suspicions among fans regarding Gillett’s neutrality.