“The league is dangerously prepared for Arsenal, if not, this guy should have been sent off for his foul on our player”- Brentford Boss Thomas Frank expresses his disappointment as he believes £60M Arsenal star should have been shown a straight Red card after a challenge from Nathan Collins

Thomas Frank: ‘Kai Havertz should have been sent off in Arsenal defeat’

Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, expressed his discontent over an incident involving Kai Havertz during Arsenal’s narrow 2-1 victory over the Bees. Frank felt Havertz should have been shown the red card before he secured Arsenal’s winning goal. The match seemed poised for a draw when Yoane Wissa equalized in first-half stoppage time, erasing Declan Rice’s earlier goal for Arsenal. However, reminiscent of their previous encounter in November, Havertz struck late to snatch victory away from Brentford.

Frank’s frustration stemmed from an alleged diving incident involving Havertz in the penalty box. The German forward, already carrying a booking, went down under a challenge from Nathan Collins, raising the ire of Brentford’s players. Frank vehemently argued that Havertz should have received a second yellow card for simulation, labeling it a “clear dive.” Despite the protests, referee Rob Jones allowed play to continue, leading to Havertz’s decisive goal.

In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Frank reiterated his belief that Havertz’s continued presence on the pitch was unjust, given the apparent simulation. He emphasized that upon reviewing the footage, the dive was evident, suggesting the assistant referee should have intervened.

Adding to Brentford’s woes was the injury to captain Christian Norgaard, who was forced off in the first half due to a contact injury. Frank expressed hope for Norgaard’s swift recovery, stressing his importance to the team’s midfield stability.

The injury setback compounded Brentford’s existing challenges, with several key players sidelined due to various ailments. The absence of Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry, Ben Mee, Aaron Hickey, Ethan Pinnock, Kevin Schade, and Bryan Mbeumo has stretched the squad’s depth. Additionally, the omission of Sergio Reguilon, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, due to a minor hamstring injury further tested Brentford’s resources.

Despite their recent struggles, Frank remains optimistic about Brentford’s prospects, aiming to bounce back in their upcoming fixture against Burnley. With survival in the Premier League at stake, every point becomes crucial for the Bees as they strive to secure their top-flight status. Currently positioned 15th in the table, Brentford faces a daunting task ahead, with the relegation zone looming dangerously close.