Arsenal’s Noni Madueke Expresses Concern Over VAR Review After Match With Liverpool
Noni Madueke of Arsenal revealed he felt anxious about the possibility of a VAR intervention following an incident in the closing moments of Arsenal’s match against Liverpool on Sunday. During the match, Alexis Mac Allister claimed he had been headbutted by Madueke.
Officials from VAR examined the situation, with reports from the Premier League Match Centre detailing their assessment. The VAR stated, “All of the situations have been checked and cleared. There is some contact as Madueke and Mac Allister square-up. In my opinion, it’s not forceful, not violent, not brutal.”
While awaiting the VAR verdict, Madueke admitted he felt nervous about the outcome of the review. He said, “In my head, I’ll be very honest with you guys, I was thinking ‘it’s possible’, you know, with VAR. It’s about whoever interprets it. I don’t know what they’re thinking. But thankfully it wasn’t.”
Madueke continued, “I don’t think it’s anything, a yellow card or a red card. The referee didn’t think that. VAR didn’t think that. So we all agree there. It’s a natural movement, and he’s obviously clever. He tried to bait me into getting a red card there, but obviously, nah.”
The incident has led to most of the backlash being directed at Mac Allister for his dramatic reaction rather than at Madueke for his actions. Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher criticized Mac Allister’s response, stating on Sky Sports: “This is embarrassing. It’s ridiculous, I can’t stand it. If someone puts their head back and butts, of course, red card. But this stuff about head-to-head and someone touches, the other one goes down and the player gets sent off… As a game, people in the Premier League, supporters, call your own people out for it.”
