Burnley owner JJ Watt’s post about Arsenal’s red card decision sparks lots of reactions online
Burnley minority owner JJ Watt has gone viral on social media after sharing a post that seemed to suggest there’s some Premier League favoritism, following Arsenal’s Kai Havertz avoiding a red card on Monday night.
Arsenal moved closer to their first Premier League title in 22 years by winning 1-0 against Burnley, thanks to a goal from Havertz in the 36th minute. If Arsenal beats Crystal Palace on the last day, they’ll be champions. They could also win the title Tuesday night if Manchester City doesn’t beat Bournemouth in Pep Guardiola’s second-to-last game managing them.
But Havertz was lucky not to be suspended for the final match after a late, studs-up tackle on Lesley Ugochukwu. The German player caught Ugochukwu’s calf and only received a yellow card. VAR reviewed the tackle, and while commentator Gary Neville called it a “horrible” and “vicious” challenge that deserved a red, the referee’s decision stood. The Premier League’s official site said the foul wasn’t serious enough for a red card.
Fans and experts were shocked by this decision, and JJ Watt didn’t hold back. He posted on X a picture of the tackle next to a fake VAR graphic that read “Checking club badge,” hinting that some clubs might get special treatment in key moments. His post, from someone also involved with the La Liga team Espanyol, got 1.2 million views.
Burnley’s interim manager Mike Jackson agreed Havertz should have been sent off, saying it would have changed the game in Burnley’s favor with 20 minutes to go. “It’s a red card and dangerous,” Jackson said. “He could’ve hurt him. Playing with ten men that long could have helped us stay in the game. We often don’t get big decisions like this, not just tonight but all season.”
Burnley, already relegated, will play Wolves at home on Sunday. A draw will help them avoid finishing last in the league.