Arsenal star William Saliba SENT OFF and after controversial VAR red card against Bournemouth as length of ban revealed

WILLIAM SALIBA saw red to spark controversy in Arsenal’s clash at Bournemouth.

The centre-back earned his first ever sending-off as VAR intervened over a professional foul.

William Saliba has been sent off following a VAR review 🟥 pic.twitter.com/z20aHFFA7i

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 19, 2024

Rob Jones handed William Saliba his first ever red card

PAJones made his decision after looking at the VAR monitor[/caption]

GettyThe verdict appeared contentious as Evanilson was far out when fouled[/caption]

Referees’ chief Howard Webb was seen at the time of the controversy

Saliba and Evanilson tangled just inside the Arsenal half

Saliba pulled back Evanilson as the Brazil attacker attempted to burst completely clear in mid-pitch.

VAR Jared Gillett told on-pitch ref Rob Jones to the monitor.

And Jones had no doubts as he waved a red to reduce the Gunners to 10 men.

It means Saliba will be banned for only ONE game.

That’s because it was not for violent conduct, which means a three-match suspension.

Fans were split over the drama, which came half an hour into a tight, goalless first period at the Vitality Stadium.

Saliba and Evanilson tangled just inside the Arsenal half.

It appeared the Frenchman was the offender as they both went to ground.

But even if Evanilson had been allowed to break through, he would still have had plenty of work to do.

One viewer claimed: “I think the attacking player was too far from the post – maybe yellow.”

But another said of Saliba’s actions: “Very reckless from a star player.”

Referees’ chief Howard Webb was spotted apparently in animated conversation on a phone at the time of the incident.

Pundit Jamie Carragher responded to that scene with a tweet – which he quickly deleted.

One supporter still claimed it was “not a good look” for Webb – but others attacked “conspiracy theories” over the incident

Some fans suggested Evanilson had been offside.

But one posted: “No, the referee made the correct call after the VAR review to send off Saliba after taking down Evanilson, last man and had a clear run towards goal.

“For anyone questioning an ‘offside’, Trossard played the ball in this scenario.”

RexSaliba was dismissed after half an hour at the Vitality Stadium[/caption]

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