Arsenal defender Ben White is seen furiously swiping at assistant referee Neil Davies’ hand as he appears to let out his frustration following the Gunners’ controversial last-gasp defeat to Man City
- Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to leaders Man City was marred by controversial decisions
- VAR awarded City a penalty after Granit Xhaka’s challenge on Bernardo Silva
- But a check had not been carried out on a similar challenge on Martin Odegaard
- Ben White appeared frustrated after the game as he shook the officials’ hands
- The defender can be seen swatting assistant referee Neil Davies’ hand away
Arsenal defender Ben White furiously slapped assistant referee Neil Davies’ hand away after the Gunners’ frustrating defeat to Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s side were dealt a cruel blow as they slipped to a last-gasp defeat when Rodri netted in the third minute of stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win for City after some controversial decisions.
Arsenal led the champions 1-0 at half-time following Bukayo Saka’s strike, but City were given the chance to equalise from the spot 10 minutes into the second half.
Arsenal defender Ben White let his frustration boil over following their defeat to Man City
Riyad Mahrez equalised from the penalty spot for Man City 10 minutes into the second half
Following a VAR check, Granit Xhaka was penalised for a tug on Bernardo Silva in the box, while Gabriel was given his marching ordered for two yellow cards either side of Riyad Mahrez’s equaliser from the spot.
Boos echoed around the Emirates stadium as Gunners fans were left aggrieved that a similar challenge on Martin Odegaard from Ederson earlier in the game had not undergone a review.
And centre-back White appeared to share their frustration as he shook hands with the officials after the whistle.
The Gunners were 1-0 up when Granit Xhaka challenged Bernardo Silva inside the box
But after consulting the VAR pitchside monitor, Attwell decided to overturn his decision
A video from the stands shows the 24-year-old frostily greeting assistant Simon Long and referee Stuart Attwell before swatting at Neil Davies’ outstretched hand and storming off down the tunnel.
White’s actions have split the fanbase with some supports praising the player’s passion, while others expressed their disappointment in his lack of sportsmanship.
One said: ‘I love that boy White. Just the mentality I need from a player.’
Another added: ‘Future captain.’
But a third wrote: ‘As much as I love to see this, it’s also very wrong from him – imagine if it was Guendouzi.’
And a final user commented: ‘Deserves a serious ban for this.’
Gunners fans were livid Ederson’s challenge on Martin Odegaard earlier had not been checked as Xhaka’s had been
