'Absolute comedy from the officials' - Social media erupts as VAR controversially denies Bournemouth goal against Arsenal for nudge on David Raya after harsh Kai Havertz penalty award

Arsenal took the lead at the Emirates after Kai Havertz was fouled in the box, although that was the first incident to spark controversy as the German looked to have gone down through minimal contact from Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers. Leandro Trossard doubled the lead for the Gunners but the Cherries thought they were back in it when Antoine Semenyo put the ball in, but Dominic Solanke was adjudged to have nudged David Raya, prompting VAR to rule the goal out.

Presenter @joethomlinson was furious at the decision and posted on X: "Absolute comedy from the officials today… NEVER a pen & NEVER a foul. Apology incoming again."

Meanwhile, journalist @JanAageFjortoft wrote: "I don’t think there is anyone who have played football that will agree with the referee NOT giving Bournemouth a goal."

@ProjectEPL pointed out that Ben White makes the same as Solanke every week, saying: "Bournemouth denied a goal due to this foul… isn’t this what Ben White does every single game."

As well as this, @FPL_Brandon wrote: "On what planet is this a foul. Not sure how Raya survived that."

Finally, @tovers98 commented: "A goal was ruled out because THIS is a foul on David Raya. The officiating in this division is unbelievably inept."

It seems the majority of social media is in agreement that the goal should have stood and once again bemoaned the lack of consistency from VAR.

Arsenal will not care that they may have had the fortunes of VAR on their side on Saturday as they went on to win the match 3-0. It keeps their title hopes alive but there is a growing frustration around the confusion modern technology causes on the pitch.

Only Chelsea have been awarded more penalties than Arsenal this season. The Gunners have been clinical from the spot and are yet to miss from 12 yards. At the other end, Mikel Arteta's men have only conceded three fouls in the box all season.

With two games to go, Arsenal now sit one point behind their total points tally of 84 they recorded in 2022-23. They have a trip to Manchester United next on the cards before they finish the season at home to Everton.