Josh Hart Criticizes VAR After Controversial Arsenal Win
Josh Hart turned Arsenal’s title charge into another VAR argument after Kai Havertz avoided a red card against Burnley.
The New York Knicks guard and outspoken Chelsea supporter did not hide his frustration after Arsenal’s 1-0 win moved them closer to the Premier League title.
His post landed because the Havertz incident already had rival fans questioning whether VAR had missed a significant call at a crucial point in the season.
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Josh Hart Aimed Criticism at VAR Over Arsenal’s Victory
Knicks guard Josh Hart reacted on X to Arsenal’s latest step toward the Premier League title with a blunt post about the officiating debate surrounding Kai Havertz.
Hart wrote: “That trash club will win the league solely because they have the refs and VAR on payroll.”
This sharp remark from a well-known Chelsea supporter echoed the broader frustration regarding the officiating. Havertz scored the match’s only goal but remained on the field after a challenge that Burnley felt warranted a red card.
The tackle became the focal point of controversy. Havertz caught Lesley Ugochukwu in the second half; referee Paul Tierney issued a yellow card, and VAR reviewed the incident without calling Tierney to the monitor.
For Arsenal, the victory was vital. However, for spectators of the title race, discussions quickly shifted from the result to whether officials provided Mikel Arteta’s team with an advantage when it mattered most.
Kai Havertz Controversy Shadows Arsenal’s Title Pursuit
Frustration over the challenge and its implications heightened the controversy. Arsenal was defending a 1-0 lead, while Burnley was pressing for a goal; a red card against Havertz could have altered the match’s outcome significantly.
The Premier League Match Centre explained that the yellow card was confirmed after deeming the challenge not serious foul play. This explanation did little to ease reactions, especially given the perceived high and late contact.
Gary Neville described Havertz as lucky during the broadcast, and several pundits and refereeing experts questioned why the incident did not trigger a pitchside review. Patrick Vieira, however, asserted that the challenge lacked sufficient force for a red card.
This division of opinion is why Hart’s post resonated widely. It reflected the suspicions that rival fans held, despite the “payroll” assertion being rooted in fan-driven frustration rather than factual basis.