Arsenal had a howl when playing without people for nearly 30 minutes in the second half against Crystal Palace because of Tomiyasu’s indirect red card. Worth mentioning, is the fact that the referee did not use VAR to see the situation made the “Gunners” angry.
In the 67th minute at Selhurst Park, referee David Coote showed a second yellow card for Takehiro Tomiyasu. According to this black king, the Japanese defender pulled Jordan Ayew’s shirt in a counter-attack situation that was considered dangerous by Crystal Palace. Tomiyasu initially thought it was a non-serious situation so he turned his face away but he couldn’t help but be shocked to see Mr. Coote draw a second yellow card, thereby indirectly a red card.
Arsenal players and coaching staff argued fiercely, saying that the referee team needed to review VAR but Mr. Coote refused. Fortunately for the “Gunners”, they still left with 3 full points. Otherwise, Mikel Arteta will be furious in the press room after this tough London Derby.
In the Premier League’s rules for using VAR, there are four decisions that cause the referee and the referee team to use VAR: award a goal, issue a penalty, determine the player is really at fault, the situation that leads to a card direct red. However, it absolutely does not refer to situations where a second yellow card is received and Tomiyasu becomes a victim of this vulnerability.
The harshness came to Tomiyasu in this match in the two yellow cards he had to receive. In the first card, the Japanese star was penalized for being determined to buy time in the throw-in phase (holding the ball for 8 seconds). It was a time when Arsenal were developing the game not too quickly and the situation was not so tense that Tomiyasu needed to buy time. Both cards of the Arsenal defender were given quite heavy with the situation, especially the second one came too early, which could cause Arsenal to collapse when they had to play without people from the 67th minute.
Why is the direct red card considered by VAR and the second yellow card (similar to the red card) not? According to The Athletic’s argument, yellow cards are not considered by the referees as a factor that can have a direct impact on the game, whether first or second. It is possible that Mr. Coote was too mechanical or accidentally did not consider carefully with the second yellow card drawn to Tomiyasu, which led to this indirect red card situation.
The Athletic’s Nick Miller commented, why is there a distinction between a red card and a second yellow card? One case is definitely considered and the other is not in the minds of the referees?
The Premier League this season is tightening the punishment for acts on the pitch. The referees are “right” to draw more cards. In theory, this should result in more serious games and fewer bad tackles. However, being too strict can lead to a scene that destroys the game like a yellow card for Tomiyasu.
Not every team is as lucky and strong as Arsenal and Liverpool. They lost men in the matches against Palace and Bournemouth quite early but still won. Is that making it easier for the referees in the Premier League with their red card decisions because if they do, the team still wins?