Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Sat 14 March 2026 18:26, UK

The Premier League have provided some clarity on a controversial incident involving Kai Havertz in Everton‘s clash with Arsenal.

Everton went into half-time all square at 0-0 at Emirates Stadium after restricting their opponents to limited chances.

The biggest talking point of the first half arrived 23 minutes in when Kai Havertz went to ground under contact from Michael Keane.

Everton were grateful referee Andy Madley sided with them in a lively first half at Emirates Stadium, with further details now being shared.

Michael Keane contact on Kai Havertz not sufficient

Many were surprised Madley did not succumb to the pressure from the home fans and simply point to the spot.

However, VAR also checked the decision and it was decided it was not worthy of a spot-kick.

And a post via the Premier League Match Centre account on X while the game was ongoing read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Arsenal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Keane on Havertz deemed to be minimal.”

Everton fans will agree entirely with that verdict – Havertz was rather looking for it – although had the boot been on the other foot then it is fair to say there would also be complaints.

Ultimately this was a rare occasion in which a decision went the Toffees’ way against a big-name opponent.

And it must be said that Jordan Pickford also produced a wonder save, albeit the offside flag would have come to Everton’s aid.

Jamie Redknapp slams ‘horrendous’ Havertz decision

Speaking at half-time on Sky Sports’ live coverage, Jamie Redknapp and Daniel Sturridge made their thoughts clear.

Sturridge said: “There’s enough contact. You can clearly see [Keane’s] kicked him. You can see the leg’s out a little bit, but for me he’s been kicked. It’s clear.”

Redknapp went a step further as he described the decision as “horrendous” and asked exactly how it was not given as a penalty.

Mikel Arteta will also no doubt have plenty of questions after the game, at which point David Moyes will hopefully be celebrating a well-earned point – or perhaps even more.