Manchester United sustained a deflating 3-1 defeat to Arsenal last Sunday, with the Gunners sealing all three points with two injury-time goals.
Earlier in the game and when the sides were tied at 1-1 in the 68th minute, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro collided with Kai Havertz in the penalty area, sending the forward scrambling to the floor.
Referee Anthony Taylor immediately blew his whistle and pointed for a spot-kick, but after several minutes of VAR reviewing the incident, went to check the pitchside monitor at the Emirates to get another look himself.
He then opted against a penalty and resumed play – much to Arsenal’s protests.
Taylor’s decision to rescind spot-kick
The audio of the discussion held between the referee and VAR officials has now been released so supporters have a better understanding of the in-game decisions.
Taylor: “Wan-Bissaka, [No.] 29, Wan-Bissaka tripped him [Havertz].”
VAR: “So, there’s nothing on Casemiro so we’re focused on Wan-Bissaka. That’s the right foot across from Wan-Bissaka. I don’t think there’s any contact from that right leg initially because he takes another step. There’s minimal contact on the next one. There’s no contact for me on the initial one and then there’s really, really minimal contact there. So, I think that’s an on-field review. I think there’s no foul there for me.”
Assistant VAR: “I think the attacker clips the back of the calf of the defender.”
VAR: “What you’re going to see [for the on-field review] is Wan-Bissaka will step across, where there’s no contact with the right foot. There’s minimal contact then from Havertz’s left foot as he runs through.”
Taylor: “Right, so he steps and then Havertz kicks the leg and Wan-Bissaka doesn’t make a challenge, yes? That’s what I’m seeing now. Ok perfect, so restart, drop-ball to the ‘keeper. Thank you.”
Inside the VAR discussion on Kai Havertz' penalty appeal against Manchester United 📺 pic.twitter.com/YD9HqznNq4
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 6, 2023
Footage courtesy of Football Daily.
