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Premier League make massive referee decision after Arsenal William Saliba VAR red card controversy

Premier league referee Rob Jones shows Arsenal defender William Saliba a red card against Bournemouth
-Credit: (Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)


Rob Jones, the referee who initially gave William Saliba a yellow card against Bournemouth, has been assigned only to fourth official duty for the next Premier League matchday. Following three days of VAR carnage in the top flight, Jones will not take charge of a game at the weekend.

Instead, Jones will be the fourth official in two games. Starting off at Brentford, who host Ipswich in a 3pm Saturday kick-off. Jones will then make the short journey across London for Sunday's 2pm clash between Chelsea and Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.

Assisted by Jarred Gillett on VAR for the Arsenal trip to Bournemouth, Jones eventually awarded a red card to Saliba after he was judged to have denied a goalscoring opportunity for Evanilson. In real-time, Jones let Saliba off, giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Latching onto an errant Leandro Trossard back-pass, Evanilson was through on goal before Saliba tugged him back just inside the Bournemouth half. However, with no attempt to play the ball, Saliba was not protected by the double jeopardy rule.

Even with Ben White acting as possible cover, Saliba was dismissed, much to the frustration and anger of Arsenal fans in the away section. Speaking afterwards, Mikel Arteta had very few complaints over the decision.

Unlike previous red cards against his side, the head coach instead accepted that Arsenal must find a way to keep all 11 players on the pitch. Declan Rice echoed similar sentiments.

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Arsenal will now host Liverpool without Saliba, leaving Arteta a big decision to make at the back. The Gunners chose not to appeal the red card and subsequent ban handed to Saliba.

It has also been confirmed that PGMOL senior referee Anthony Taylor will referee the huge title match. Sam Barrott has been selected as fourth official, with VAR and assistant VAR duties given out to Michael Salisbury.

Gillett, who ultimately advised Jones on Saturday to check his decision via the pitchside monitor, has two games to attend. He will start at Aston Villa for their 3pm match on Saturday against Bournemouth, acting as the assistant VAR. Gillett will then be working, in part, with Jones on Sunday, as he takes on VAR responsibilities for Chelsea vs Newcastle, based at Stockley Park.