VAR-sical! Fans FUME after Ryan Christie’s high tackle on Bukayo Saka wasn’t punished with a red card in Arsenal’s crucial match against Bournemouth

Arsenal supporters have vented their frustration after Ryan Christie’s high tackle on Bukayo Saka wasn’t punished by VAR in their showdown against Bournemouth.

Christie’s foot planted into Saka’s knee early in the first half at the Emirates but the video assistants did not deem the challenge was worthy of a red card.

Saka had initially cleverly flicked the ball away from Lewis Cook in midfield but as the winger looked to dance around Christie, a raised boot made contact with his leg.

Visibly irritated by the lack of any punishment, Saka rolled down his sock and revealed a bloodied gash halfway up his leg, just below his left knee.

It is thought that VAR had checked and cleared the incident with Christie exonerated after the challenge was controversially deemed reckless but not dangerous.

‘Christie RED!!!! Clear for me… not for the refs,’ pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft said on X. 

‘That should absolutely be a red card to Ryan Christie,’ another account posted.

YouTuber Mark Goldbridge agreed, arguing: ‘How is that not a red! Didn’t even get a yellow and game drop ball. Switch VAR the f*** off! It’s a joke at this point.’ 

A fourth user added: ‘Studs up. Blood drawn. How is VAR not on this?’

‘An extremely high tackle on Bukayo Saka by Ryan Christie,’ a fifth said.

Arsenal were frustrated by a stubborn Bournemouth side for much of the first half but found the breakthrough after Saka scored a penalty on the stroke of the whistle.

Kai Havertz was deemed to have been tripped by onrushing Cherries keeper Mark Travers inside the area and the decision stood after a lengthy VAR check.

Saka, still marked from Christie’s earlier challenge, then converted with aplomb.

The Gunners will move four points clear at the top of the table with a victory.