Arsenal fans were left raging after Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold escaped a red card following a horrible challenge of Bukayo Saka. The 21-year-old buried his studs on Saka’s shin but was only shown a yellow card for the reckless tackle leaving Arsenal fans fuming in ager. Many fans recalled Eddie Nketiah’s similar tackle on James Justin during Arsenal vs Leicester City match last week. But while Nketiah received a straight red and was slapped with a three-match ban, Alexander-Arnold was only shown a yellow card and remained on the pitch. Arsenal 2–1 Liverpool, Premier League 2019–20 Watch Goal Video Highlights.

The incident occurred in the 48th minute with Arsenal leading Liverpool 2-1 and certainly left the Gunners’ fans unimpressed about the quality of refereeing in the game. With Saka advancing forward during a counter-attack, Alexander-Arnold plunged into him with his right foot and left the young Arsenal winger writhing in pain. Arsenal End Liverpool’s Record Points Chase With 2–1 Win; Twitterati Troll New Premier League Champions for Shock Defeat (See Reactions).

Watch Trent Alexander-Arnold's Reckless Tackle on Bukayo Saka

But despite the horror of the challenge, the Liverpool full-back was only shown a yellow card with VAR not even reviewing it leaving fans in rage. Many took to social media to let out their frustration about the inconsistency and quality of refereeing. Saka too was lucky to escape without any serious damage to his foot.

Yellow Card for a Tackle As Dangerous As This

Should Have Been a Red?

A Breakdown of Each Step of That Challenge

Fan's Frustration With Poor Refereeing

Inconsistent VAR

Why Is There No Red - Ian Wright

Incidentally, Nketiah was involved in a similar challenge on James Justin during Arsenal vs Leicester City clash at the Emirates last week. He too was initially shown a yellow but the card was upgraded into a red after a VAR review. Post the game, the 21-year-old was even-handed a three-match suspension for his tackle, which was deemed very dangerous.

Eddie Nketiah Was Sent-Off For This Tackle

Meanwhile, Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-1 to keep their slim hopes of a Europa League qualification alive. The Gunners are placed ninth in the Premier League points table with 53 points from 36 matches and are two points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who occupy the seventh position – the final Europa League spot.

Liverpool missed out on breaking Man City’s record haul of points in a single Premier League campaign. Had the Red won against Arsenal, they would have been on track to overtake City’s record of 100 points in a single Premier League season. But the defeat meant they can now only manage 99 points if they win their last two games. The loss also ended their hopes of notching a record 33 wins, which would have been most wins in a single Premier League season once again breaking City’s record of 32 wins.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2020 12:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).