Graeme Souness believes Arsenal defender David Luiz should have seen red for a tug on Oliver Burke

‘If he doesn’t pull his shirt he’s at least a metre further on’: Graeme Souness believes David Luiz should have seen red for a tug on Oliver Burke and claims the Brazilian’s escape shows referees don’t understand the game

  • David Luiz received a poor pass from his Arsenal centre-back partner Gabriel 
  • Oliver Burke pressurised the experienced Brazilian and nicked the ball of him 
  • But Luiz grabbed a hold of the Sheffield United winger’s shirt to impede him
  • VAR however did not deem the incident to be a red card offence against Luiz 

David Luiz should have seen red for tugging back Oliver Burke in the first half of Arsenal‘s match against Sheffield United, according to Graeme Souness.

The Brazilian received a poor pass from his compatriot Gabriel Magalhaes and Scot Burke nipped in and stole the ball off the experienced Arsenal centre-back and appeared set to go through on goal.

Luiz then appeared to have a hold of Sheffield United winger Burke’s shirt, impeding him from beating Bernd Leno to his touch, but VAR did not deem the offence a red card offence despite a quick review.

David Luiz should have seen red for tugging back Oliver Burke, according to Graeme Souness

The Brazilian received a poor pass from compatriot Gabriel Magalhaes and Burke stole it

The Brazilian received a poor pass from compatriot Gabriel Magalhaes and Burke stole it

And speaking at half-time to Sky Sports, Souness said: ‘It’s a sending off. It’s a sloppy pass from Gabriel, not enough pace, David Luiz has to take a touch and he pulls his shirt. 

‘The question to be asked is how much is he taking off the pace of Burke looking for the ball. If he doesn’t pull his shirt he’s at least a metre further on. He may have got there in enough time to take it round [the keeper].

‘Once again referees don’t understand the game of football. That is a sending off. 

‘How can you not see that as someone pulling a shirt? How do you think the manager and team [feel], looking for a break, that was their break and they’ve been denied.’

The Brazilian then grabbed a hold of the Scot's shirt when he appeared to be through on goal

The Brazilian then grabbed a hold of the Scot’s shirt when he appeared to be through on goal

Former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra also believed Luiz should have been dismissed and sympathised with Chris Wilder and called for former players to be put in charge of VAR. 

Evra said: ‘Absolutely I agree with Graham. If I am manager of Sheffield I am furious with that decision. 

‘We are going to talk again about VAR. Sorry but until it is people who have played games behind the screen we are going to keep making mistakes. 

‘It will change the whole game, if Arsenal are down to 10 it’s a different game for Sheffield.’