Match Coverage

Premier League release statement on Kai Havertz penalty controversy in Arsenal vs Everton

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The Premier League have released a statement on why Arsenal weren’t awarded a penalty against Everton for a foul on Kai Havertz.

David Moyes’ side gave a good account of themselves inside the opening 45 minutes in north London, but there was a major talking point.

Everton recalled Michael Keane to the starting XI on Saturday and there were calls for a foul from the 33-year-old on Havertz.

Were Everton fortunate to get away with this one? 🫣

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Kai Havertz of Arsenal is challenged by Michael Keane of Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield

VAR checked the incident and waved it away, with the Premier League sharing their own statement on the coming together.

Arsenal v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Premier League respond to Kai Havertz penalty call in Arsenal vs Everton

James Tarkowski missed the Arsenal trip through injury, which saw Keane and Jake O’Brien start at centre-back.

It did not take long for the veteran Everton defender to be called into action, with Havertz feeling he was brought down inside the box.

What do you make of this side? 😬

Iliman Ndiaye of Everton during the Premier League match between Fulham and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Izzy Poles – AMA

“The referee’s call of no penalty to Arsenal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Keane on Havertz deemed to be minimal,” the statement read on X.

Andy Madley did not give a penalty on the pitch and it did not take long for VAR to wave the incident away.

The Gunners were awarded a similar penalty during the week in the Champions League, but not on Saturday in north London.

Everton were furious with Arsenal’s penalty in the reverse fixture at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. So, this could be seen as karma.