Many Arsenal supporters expressed their anger on social media after Leandro Trossard received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away in their 2-2 draw with Manchester City, especially since City’s Jeremy Doku faced no punishment for a similar act.
This incident led fans to question the inconsistency in officiating, as Doku nudged the ball away while Arsenal was preparing for a free kick but avoided a booking.
The disparity prompted criticism from Arsenal fans regarding the referee’s judgment.
The key question became: why was Doku not penalized while Trossard was sent off?
Referee Michael Oliver later clarified his decision, explaining that Doku was simply returning the ball to its rightful position, not trying to waste time.
In this light, Doku’s actions were viewed as contributing to the game’s pace, unlike Trossard’s intentional kick of the ball away after the whistle for City’s free kick, which was seen as time-wasting.
This led Oliver to issue Trossard a second yellow card for unsporting behavior, resulting in his ejection just before halftime, leaving Arsenal at a numerical disadvantage.
The distinction between the two incidents ultimately rested on intent: Doku’s action was perceived as helping the game, whereas Trossard’s was interpreted as a deliberate attempt to delay play.
While Arsenal fans remain frustrated by the perceived unevenness in officiating, Oliver’s decisions were based on his interpretation of each player’s intent.
Doku’s action was seen as a minor infraction that didn’t warrant a card, while Trossard’s clear attempt to waste time forced the referee’s hand.
Despite the controversy surrounding Trossard’s red card, the match ended in a thrilling draw, sparking ongoing discussions among fans about the fairness of the officiating.