Premier League official Craig Pawson has been on the receiving end of some stern criticism from a former fellow referee in Graham Poll over the way he handled Arsenal's trip to Tottenham on Sunday.
As is often the case when the two North London neighbours meet, it was a feisty affair that saw a number of brutal challenges and tempers flared between opposition players on more than one occasion. The second-half even saw Gunners midfielder Granit Xhaka engage in a heated exchange with Spurs boss Antonio Conte who was stood on the touchline.
However, rather remarkably no one was given their marching orders. This should not have been the case according to Poll, who highlighted one Spurs player in particular who can consider himself forunate not to have been red carded.
Speaking to Casinos En Ligne, the former Premier League referee claimed: "He [Pawson] went in with a low key approach which is popular as long as it works. For me Cristian Romero should have been sent off.
"He was involved in too many incidents which were highlighted by the Sky Sports commentary team saying ‘he could be off here and if not this time he’s got to go next time’. He then made another two or three clear fouls and he was very lucky to stay in the pitch in my view.
"However because Arsenal won 2-0 the Arsenal fans don’t care and that’s how a referee can get lucky."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Romero have been sent off during the North London derby? Comment below
Poll's assessment is accurate enough in that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had no complaints over the officiating in the immediate aftermath during his post-match pressers.
Romero was not the only Spurs player to lose his cool, with Richarlison also fortunate to not be shown a red card for a light slap of Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale - who was then assaulted that kicked the Gunners goalkeeper in the back while he was retrieving his water bottle.
Asked whether referees fear something similar happening to them, Poll replied: "I think more so among assistant referees than referees because of their proximity to the crowd.
His or her position is dictated by play, whereas a referee can choose where to run and can stay more central in terms of his position if he wants.
"In the Premier League it’s very unlikely to happen but it’s down to policing and stewarding to reinforce that barrier between supporters and the playing area and sadly that didn’t happen at Tottenham on Sunday."
A 35-year-old man has since been charged by the police and will appear in court following the unsavoury incident involving Ramsdale after the full-time whistle had been blown.
