Premier League release statement following Arsenal star William Saliba's red card

The Premier League have explained why William Saliba was sent off after a VAR check in Arsenal's game against Bournemouth.

Saliba was initially shown a yellow card by referee Rob Jones after bringing down Evanilson, but he upgraded it to a red after being encouraged to review the clash again on the pitchside monitor by VAR.

And the Premier League have explained the decision via their match centre social media account. "The referee gave Saliba a yellow card for a challenge on Evanilson," they wrote.

"The VAR deemed that Saliba denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and recommended an on-field review. The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card."

The decision means that Saliba will now be suspended for Arsenal's next Premier League game against Liverpool unless the Gunners can successfully appeal the decision like Manchester United did earlier this month with Bruno Fernandes.

"There wasn't any cover really but you think with William Saliba's pace he would have come back," former Premier League defender Danny Gabbidon said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "However the arms come out and he drags down Evanilson.

"That is a game changer for Bournemouth. Evanilson had a lot to do, a long way from goal but there wasn't any cover to save William Saliba. The defender panics and tries to react but he could only bring down the forward."

Saliba was sent off after bringing down Evanilson

Saliba's red card came as yet another blow to the Gunners after Bukayo Saka was forced to miss the match through injury, having picked up a knock while away on international duty with England.

"We tried the last few days [to get him fit]," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports. "He didn't have the right feeling, so we decided there was no point pushing him. That's why we have various options. It is a good test for the team."

They were also missing Martin Odegaard, who has been out of action since picking up an ankle injury while playing for Norway last month, and that meant the clash with Bournemouth was the first time Arsenal have lined up without either their captain or Saka since January 2021.

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