Audio footage has been released that sheds light on the decision to overturn a penalty awarded to Kai Havertz during Arsenal's victory over Manchester United. The audio was made public as part of the Match Officials: Mic'd Up show on Sky Sports.
VAR intervenes to change referee's decision
Havertz was initially awarded a penalty after Aaron Wan Bissaka was deemed to have committed a foul. However, VAR intervened and the decision was overturned.
Increased transparency in refereeing process
The Match Officials: Mic'd Up show features PGMOL chief Howard Webb and Michael Owen reviewing the weekend's decisions in an effort to increase transparency in the refereeing process.
Webb concludes it was the right call
During this week's episode, they analyzed the decision to overturn Anthony Taylor's call to award a penalty to Havertz. Webb ultimately agreed with the decision, stating that the initial contact was made by Havertz himself and not Wan Bissaka.
Variety of angles shown to referee
Referee Taylor received guidance from Australian VAR official Jared Gilette, who explained that initial replays showed Havertz had let his leg trail and initiated the contact. After Gilette's explanation, the decision was overturned and play restarted with a drop-ball.
Late VAR controversy and dramatic winner
In an added twist, Alexandre Garnacho's 88th minute goal for United was ruled out due to a tight offside call. This would have given United a 2-1 lead, with a chance of securing all three points. However, Declan Rice scored a dramatic 96th minute winner for Arsenal, followed by a third goal from Gabriel Jesus to seal the victory.
