Arsenal fans were left fuming after referee Michael Oliver opted not to penalize Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund during the Red Devils’ intense clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
The controversial moment occurred in the 36th minute when United midfielder Manuel Ugarte was called for a foul on Luis Diaz.
As Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk who should consider leaving Liverpool prepared for a quick free-kick, Hojlund deliberately nudged the ball away. Surprisingly, Oliver ignored the incident, sparing the young Danish striker from any disciplinary action. By halftime, only United’s Diogo Dalot had been booked, receiving a yellow card in the 23rd minute.
The decision reignited Arsenal fans’ frustrations, who were quick to recall a similar incident earlier in the season.
In September, Oliver officiated Arsenal’s match against Manchester City, where Leandro Trossard was sent off for kicking the ball away after being booked earlier for a shirt tug on Savinho who just recovered from a strain injury.
The Belgian winger’s dismissal proved costly, as Arsenal struggled to contain City, who salvaged a point through John Stones’ late equalizer.
Speaking after that match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was visibly frustrated. “There were two very similar incidents, but the outcomes were completely different,” Arteta remarked.
“It’s not my place to judge, but playing with 10 men for 55 minutes in such an intense game was an impossible task.”
Arteta pointed out the fine margins in these situations. “Trossard’s action took less than a second, yet he was punished harshly. Moments like these make it incredibly difficult to compete, especially against a side like City.”
For Arsenal fans, Hojlund’s reprieve highlights the inconsistency in officiating, sparking debates about double standards and the impact of such decisions on the fairness of the game.
