11 March 2024 , 20:08
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Brentford players were involved in a furious tunnel bust-up after their defeat at Arsenal.
Angry stars confronted referee Rob Jones near the dressing rooms after the game as they were furious that Kai Havertz was not sent off before scoring the late winner. Brentford defender Nathan Collins was furious with Havertz amid the row as a large number of visiting players and coaching staff lost their tempers after the game.
Collins was seen to be at the heart of the furious row and was heard shouting: “F***ing disgrace” and “cheat” in the tunnel. Jones stopped near the top of the tunnel and spoke to the unhappy Brentford players who were angry with him and were shouting and swearing.
The Football Association have said no action will be taken as it is understood that Jones did not include the matter in his report. But one eye witness said: “It was kicking off. It never got beyond a lot of shouting and accusations but they were very unhappy.”
Jones was caught up in the controversy because he did not book Havertz for what looked like a blatant dive under Collins’ challenge. The Brentford players remonstrated with Jones after Havertz appeared to dive and again after he scored the last gasp winner which put Arsenal top of the Premier League.
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Havertz had already been booked earlier in the game for using his elbow when jumping for the ball and Arsenal were unhappy he got cautioned, claiming he was looking at the ball.
Therefore, Havertz was on a booking when he went down under Collins’ challenge but VAR does not have the remit to intervene and award a yellow card even though that would have seen him sent off.
Jones did not have a clear view of Collins’ challenge on Havertz and therefore could not take any action himself. But that did not stop Brentford’s players from getting angry and confronting the referee.
Havertz falls under Nathan Collins' challenge (Getty Images)Mirror Sport has contacted Brentford, Arsenal have declined to comment on the incident. It is understood the officials were escorted to their dressing rooms by security staff and the away club has played down the incident. Brentford boss Thomas Frank also insisted after the game he could understand why the players were so upset.
Speaking after the game, he said: "I'm so proud of the team and the players. We've come here to Arsenal who have scored 100 goals in I don't know how many games and we limited them. It was almost a defensive masterclass.
"The performance was spot on. Even more impressive if you take into account Arsenal's form, our form, our injury situation. I actually don't think Havertz should be on the pitch when he scored.
"It was a clear dive. Maybe it is difficult for the ref but the linesman should have seen it."
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