Arsenal legend David Seaman has criticised the decision to hand William Saliba a red card against Bournemouth, highlighting what he believes is a major flaw in the “clear and obvious” rule.
The French defender was sent off last weekend after VAR intervened to upgrade his initial yellow card for tugging back Bournemouth’s Evanilson.
Seaman Criticises Saliba Red Card Decision
While Seaman acknowledged the decision might have been correct, he expressed concern about the impact the rule is having on goalkeepers.
Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast, the former Gunners star argued that the “clear and obvious” rule is being applied too harshly in situations where a goalkeeper could still potentially prevent a goal.
“I can understand why it was given. There was a little pull,” he said. “The striker made the most of it, which you’re going to do when you’re clean through like that. You can’t do it. You can’t pull them.
“If you run across them and they just clip their feet – a little accident on purpose – then you might get away with it. But you ain’t getting away with a pull.
Seaman continued, saying, “My only problem with it is that the referee gave a yellow straight away. Was it a clear and obvious error? They’re disrespecting goalies.
“They say it’s a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity – hang on, you’ve got to beat the goalie! David Raya’s a good goalie; you’ve got to get past him first.”
Injuries and Suspensions Mount for Arsenal Ahead of Liverpool Game
With Saliba now suspended for Arsenal’s crucial clash against Liverpool on Sunday, Mikel Arteta will be forced to reshuffle his defence.
The Gunners will also be without Riccardo Calafiori, who went off with a knee injury during Tuesday’s Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Jurrien Timber and talisman Bukayo Saka are both doubts for the crucial Premier League game against Arne Slot’s side too, and it’s still a little too soon for captain Martin Ødegaard to make his return.
