Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to react after hearing that Kevin Friend would officiate the Premier League clash with Watford on Sunday.
What’s the story?
Well, the Arsenal fans clearly aren’t too happy with this news.
The Gunners fans potentially remember that Friend was on VAR duty for last season’s infuriating 1-1 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Nicolas Pepe should’ve won Arsenal a penalty when he forced Erik Pieters into knocking the ball away with his hand inside the penalty area.
Somehow, Friend didn’t see fit to award a spot kick, even after watching the incident again from the VAR hub in Stockley Park.
In that same game, Friend also overturned Andre Marriner’s decision to send Pieters off for a separate handball incident.
Football fans have long memories, and the Arsenal fans clearly haven’t forgiven the 50-year-old.
Arsenal shouldn’t fear Watford or Kevin Friend
While the Arsenal fans are clearly worried, Friend has actually been quite good to them in the past.
As Transfermarkt shows, Arsenal have won 16 of their 26 games in which Friend has officiated, while drawing five.
Friend has also never sent an Arsenal player off, whether it be for two yellows or a straight red card.
Furthermore, he has awarded the Gunners three penalties in those 26 games.
As for Watford, the Hornets are without a win in three games, whereas Arsenal have won six of their last eight in all competitions.
Arsenal fans should feel confident ahead of Watford’s visit to the Emirates Stadium, instead of nervous.
For now, let’s see what the Arsenal fans on Twitter have been saying about Friend…
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