re: Arsenal 2023/24 Season Thread - Rice, Rice, Baby

I never said the ref was shite.

I also understand his non pen decision on Saka. I initially thought it was clear that Saka stuck his leg out. I’ve soften my stance a bit giving some other looks, and think it’s more 50/50 call (his right leg doesn’t really have a where to go as he is cutting across). On both the hand ball and that occasion VAR was in his ear.

All I pointed out was that he didn’t miss the hand ball call, but he used his discretion. Including VAR letting him know what happened. I also didn’t say whether it was right or wrong. Glad they didn’t call it.

While this was a pretty unique situation, refs do this all the time with second yellows, set piece jockeying in the box, etc.