Arsenal set to appeal David Luiz red card against Wolves

The Brazilian was adjudged to have fouled Willian Jose in the box, which saw Ruben Neves equalise before Joao Moutinho struck the winner against nine-man Arsenal

Sports Staff
Wednesday 03 February 2021 10:04 EST
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David Luiz is shown a red card for Arsenal
David Luiz is shown a red card for Arsenal (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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Arsenal are ready to appeal against David Luiz’s red card in the 2-1 Premier League loss to Wolves on Tuesday night.

The Brazilian was adjudged to have fouled Willian Jose at Molineux with Mikel Arteta’s side 1-0 ahead at the time.

Ruben Neves equalised from the spot and Joao Moutinho thumped home from distance to complete the comeback victory, with Bernd Leno picking up a red card in the second half. Mikel Arteta was angry about the punishment for his player, and now the Gunners hope an appeal may see the former Chelsea defender escape a suspension, according to PA.

The Gunners were leading 1-0 at Molineux when defender Luiz was dismissed in first-half stoppage time after conceding a penalty having being adjudged to have fouled Willian Jose while making no attempt to play the ball.

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Ruben Neves scored the resulting spot-kick, before Joao Moutinho completed the hosts' comeback by claiming a second-half winner.

It is understood Arsenal do not believe a foul was committed, that any contact made was minimal, and that Luiz made a clear attempt to avoid touching his opponent.

The 33-year-old Brazilian is currently facing a one-match suspension, which would see him miss Saturday's trip to Aston Villa.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta criticised the decision of referee Craig Pawson following the game.

"I've seen it 10 times in different angles and I cannot tell you where the contact is," said the Spaniard.

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo had a different view to Arteta.

"I think the referee doesn't have any other option in both situations," he said.

A miserable evening for the Gunners was compounded by goalkeeper Bernd Leno being dismissed for deliberately handling the ball outside his box in the 72nd minute.

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