Nathaniel Clyne’s strong tackle on Riccardo Calafiori during Arsenal’s match against Crystal Palace last night has sparked outrage among Arsenal fans, who believe the challenge deserved a red card. The incident occurred shortly after Calafiori, who had just returned from injury, came on as a substitute in the second half. The tackle raised concerns that the Italian defender could face another spell on the sidelines, leaving Arsenal players and manager Mikel Arteta visibly furious.
Clyne was shown a yellow card for the challenge, a decision that baffled many, especially as replays suggested it could have been deemed dangerous. Despite the uproar from Arsenal supporters, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the decision and upheld the on-field call, allowing Clyne to remain on the pitch. Arsenal, undeterred, went on to secure an emphatic victory, but the controversy surrounding the tackle lingered.
The Premier League released a statement via their X account which read
#CRYARS – 79’
The referee issued a yellow card to Clyne for a challenge on Calafiori. VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call, deeming that the challenge was reckless and not serious foul play.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) December 21, 2024
This explanation has done little to appease Arsenal fans, who argue that the tackle endangered Calafiori’s safety. The fact that Calafiori had just returned from injury only heightened the sense of injustice, with many feeling the punishment was too lenient for what they viewed as a reckless and dangerous act.
The incident has reignited discussions about the consistency of refereeing decisions in the Premier League, particularly regarding dangerous tackles. Arsenal fans believe VAR’s role is to ensure fairness and player safety, and they are frustrated that the technology failed to intervene decisively in this case.
Football, as a contact sport, will always involve tackles, and opinions on what constitutes “serious foul play” will remain subjective. However, the challenge on Calafiori has underscored the need for clearer guidelines and consistent application of the rules to prevent similar controversies in the future.
Despite the controversy, Arsenal will be relieved that Calafiori avoided injury and will hope that the incident serves as a wake-up call for tighter officiating moving forward. The defender has become an important part of the team, and his fitness will be crucial as Arsenal looks to maintain their current run of form.
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Errr no… football is supposed to be a non-contact sport, according to the rules.
The only exception is a shoulder charge.
Note: “supposed” to be.
My Dad used to quote someone or other: “rugby is a game for hooligans, played by gentlemen. Football is a game for gentlemen, played by hooligans”.
My understanding is that football is “semi-contact”, because some contact is expected (you can’t help but make contact when making a tackle or challenging for a header – it’s not feasible to expect no contact at all in those situations) but it’s not supposed to be intentional, with the one exception you mention. Rugby is a full contract support where physical contact is built into the rules of the game, whereas a non-contact sport would be something like tennis.
It was not a red card imo but the incident was blown up by our player’s “screams of pain”.Clyne is not a dirty player and never has been.
May I take this opportunity of wishing everyone on JA a very good Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Thanks Grandad. The same to you and I agree with regard to Clyne and the severity of the foul.
Grandad,
I also echo your sentiments to one and all on JA.
Even Admin Pat😉👍
It is only on JA where arsenal fans always support dirty fouls against arsenal player. Some fans are just too negative
I don’t see any evidence of this.