Arsenal Awaiting Referee Report Before Deciding Whether to Appeal Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Red Card

Arsenal will wait to see referee Paul Tierney's report from their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace before deciding whether or not to appeal the red card shown to striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabon international was given his marching orders midway through the second half for a nasty challenge on Palace midfielder Max Meyer, and is now set to serve a three-match suspension.

However, the challenge was only shown a yellow card by the on-field referee, before VAR stepped in to upgrade it to a red, and according to the MailOnline Sport​Arsenal believe they may have grounds for an appeal.

The tackle was certainly not malicious from Aubameyang, but did catch Meyer high on his ankle - the German's leg subsequently buckling under the impact. Fortunately though, he did not sustain serious damage, despite being immediately substituted.

The Gunners are waiting to see how the incident is described by the referee, and will pay close attention to the wording used by the FA when they issue the formal suspension to Aubameyang. They will then appeal the ruling if they believe their captain has been a victim of excessive punishment.

FBL-ENG-PR-CRYSTAL PALACE-ARSENAL

As it stands, Aubameyang will miss league meetings with both Sheffield United and ​Chelsea, as well as an FA Cup tie with Bournemouth.

Speaking after the game (via ​Goal), manager Mikel Arteta admitted he was worried about losing such an important player as he challenged the rest of his squad to step up in Aubameyang's absence.

"Losing probably the most important player is never nice," Arteta said. "We have other players that can play in that position. We will try to find a way and be as competitive as possible. 


"They now have to make a step forward now he is not able to contribute to the team with goals. Someone else has to do it and I want to see that reaction too."

Mikel Arteta

Even though Arteta is looking for a temporary fix in attack, he admitted that he is unlikely to promote youngster Eddie Nketiah to the lineup after he was recalled from his loan spell with ​Leeds United.

"I think we have to think long term with Eddie. We have to respect his evolution, his development and we don't have to make decisions just based on two or three games."


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Source : 90min