Harry Kane avoided 'nailed-on red card' against Arsenal, says former Premier League referee chief | OneFootball

Alex Young @alexwsyoung

was "extremely lucky" to avoid a red card against Arsenal, says former Premier League referee chief Keith Hackett.

The Bayern Munich striker, who had earlier silenced the Emirates Stadium by scoring upon his return to north London, was booked by referee Glenn Nyberg for catching Arsenal defender Gabriel in the throat with a stray elbow.

Kane appeared to turn his head towards Gabriel while backing into the centre-back to challenge for the ball, then connecting with his opponent while controlling the ball.

Hackett believes Kane should have been sent off, writing in the Telegraph: "Harry Kane can count himself a lucky boy. His swinging elbow to the face of Arsenal defender Gabriel ... was dangerous, reckless and with excessive force.

"Kane knew exactly what he was doing, as you can tell from his glance back at Gabriel to see where his opponent was positioned. I’m sorry, but as soon as you take your eyes off the ball and play the man, you are asking for trouble."

He added: "This was a prime example of that where Kane used his elbow as a weapon, and the swinging motion combined with the look back at Gabriel moments before the contact leaves the Bayern Munich striker no defence.

“It qualifies as a violent action and had he committed the offence in the Premier League, I am sure he would have been sent off. It is a nailed-on red card for me."

Hackett went on to explain that the decision was not reviewed by VAR and, if it had, is confident referee Nyberg would have upgraded the yellow card to a red.