Former Premier League referee ‘amazed’ Jorginho was not sent off against Arsenal as Chelsea get ‘very lucky’

Sucker punch | Jorginho scored the goal that sparked Chelsea’s comeback eight minutes after he should have been sent off
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Richard Parry30 December 2019

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey says he was ‘amazed’ that Jorginho was not sent off against Arsenal.

The Italy international, who was brought on by Frank Lampard in the first half, had already been booked by the time he appeared to pull the shirt of Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.

To add insult to injury, Jorginho would capitalise on Bernd Leno’s error to score Chelsea’s equaliser just eight minutes later, in what was a huge sucker punch for Arsenal with seven minutes of normal time remaining.

And Mikel Arteta’s side failed to recover, with Tammy Abraham bagging the winner four minutes later.

That result extended Arsenal’s winless run to 15 matches across all competitions, and denied to Arteta a first win as manager.

In Pictures | Arsenal vs Chelsea | 29/12/19

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And Halsey, who officiated 280 Premier League matches during his career, says Arsenal have every right to feel aggrieved.

"I am amazed referee Craig Pawson did not issue a second yellow card to Jorginho at the Emirates,” wrote Halsey in the Sun.

"It should have been a mandatory caution for the Chelsea midfielder on Matteo Guendouzi because it was a clear holding offence by the Italian which stopped a promising attack.

"Jorginho was very lucky to stay on the field of play as he was already on a yellow card.

"Pawson was in an excellent position and had a clear view of the offence. It’s a basic error from an international referee.

"Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta can feel frustrated and aggrieved because Jorginho scored a vital equaliser minutes later.

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