Jurrien Timber avoided becoming the second Arsenal player to be sent off in as many games during a fiery north London derby.
The Dutchman’s heavy challenge on Tottenham’s Pedro Porro caused tensions to boil over in the first half of the Premier League clash.
The former Ajax defender left one on his Spurs counterpart after a crunching challenge but didn’t hear the whistle that came later.
Porro’s Tottenham teammates reacted angrily in response and a scuffle broke out between the two teams with plenty of shoving.
Eventually, Lilywhite goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was booked for instigating the melee, with Timber receiving the same punishment.
VAR looked into whether the latter’s yellow card should be upgraded to a red but ultimately stuck with Jarred Gillett’s decision.
Gary Neville said on Sky Sports: “Just listening to what is being said in Stockley Park. Timber touches the ball but he doesn’t follow through over it which is what saved him from it being a red card.
“The foot goes on top of the ball but he hasn’t followed through. There was one here last season – the Curtis Jones where he tried to put his foot on top of the ball but went over it – and that ended up being a red card.”
The Premier League Match Centre confirmed on X: “The referee issued a yellow card to Timber for a challenge on Porro.
“VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call of no red card, deeming this was a reckless challenge and not serious foul play.”
Dean Ashton agreed with the call, adding live on talkSPORT: “It’s just about right. Timber puts his foot on top of the ball and does catch him slightly. It is the right decision.”
Henry Winter: “Why does he need to put his foot over the ball, why does he have to be three inches higher?”
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In September 2023, Liverpool midfielder Jones had been booked for a poor, clumsy challenge that saw his boot go over the ball and plant in Spurs midfielder Yves Bissouma’s shin.
Referee Simon Hooper was advised to watch the challenge back and, after reviewing it, upgraded the card to red – with the Reds also failing in an appeal to get it overturned post-match.
Timber’s good fortune came at a crucial time for Arsenal, who are suddenly struggling with injuries and suspensions to several stars.
Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ricardo Calafiori all picked up injuries while on international duty.
Before the early-season break, Declan Rice was controversially sent off against Brighton for receiving two yellow cards.
Much to Tottenham’s aggrievement, Timber wasn’t shown the same treatment following two cautionary actions in his foul on Porro and his shirt grab on Vicario – from which the Spurs goalkeeper was punished for.
