Kai Havertz ‘shouldn’t have been on the pitch’ to score late Arsenal winner, says fuming Brentford boss Thomas Frank

BRENTFORD boss Thomas Frank insists Arsenal’s late match-winner Kai Havertz should have been sent off earlier.

And fans joined Frank in voicing their anger at Havertz escaping a second yellow card for what appeared a clear dive.

There appeared no contact as Kai Havertz tumbled in the box

Nathan Collins protests his innocence as Havertz seems to dive in the box, with neither a yellow card or penalty awarded

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Thomas Frank thinks Havertz should have been sent off[/caption]

The German lunged forward and tumbled in the box as Bees’ defender Nathan Collins challenged him – but without making contact.

Havertz then headed the Gunners over Liverpool and Manchester City to the top of the Premier League with a clincher on 86 minutes.

Brentord’s Yoane Wissa had earlier punished Aaron Ramsdale’s blunder by cancelling out Declan Rice‘s opener.

And although the Gunners had nearly all the pressure and chances after that, Frank had no doubts Havertz deserved to see red before he sealed a 2-1 victory with his fourth goal in four matches.

The Dane told Sky Sports: “I actually don’t think Havertz should be on the pitch when he scored the goal.

“For me it was a clear dive when it was a penalty shout. If you see it back slowly it’s clear.

“Maybe it’s difficult for the ref but the linesman should have seen it, in my opinion.”

But fans focused on referee Rob Jones as they hit out at the officials over the crucial moment.

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One posted: “That was a very clear dive and if it were to be a Brentford player in that position he would have been shown a red easily.”

Another said of Frank’s forthright verdict: “Spot on. Referees in this country are a joke.”

And a third argued: “100 per cent spot on! Only Rob Jones will have the answer as to how Kai Havertz was still in the picture.”

Others labelled it a “certain” second booking and a “terrible decision”.

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