The Premier League have confirmed that Craig Pawson will referee Arsenal’s Friday night clash against Aston Villa.
The league announced on their official website that the Sheffield-born referee will take charge at the Emirates Stadium for the Gunners’ huge fixture against Dean Smith’s side.
With Arsenal scrapping a draw with Crystal Palace on Monday, three points will be massive for Mikel Arteta’s side in their quest to qualify for Europe in the Premier League.
However, the referee appointment of Pawson has already infuriated Arsenal supporters on social media. And for good reason.
The 42-year-old official infamously sent off David Luiz last season for seemingly nothing after the Brazilian defender got in the way of a Wolves attacker. Causing Arsenal to go down to ten men and into the break at 1-1.
Indeed, many Arsenal fans view that refereeing performance as one of the worst they have witnessed in the Premier League. And Pawson will no doubt receive a frosty reception in north London on Friday.
Arsenal fans fume as Pawson is appointed as referee for Friday
With Pawson set to referee this Friday’s clash, Arsenal fans on social media are already fearing the worst. A defeat or even a draw would be disastrous for the Gunners’ hopes of clinching Europe.
Here’s what some Arsenal fans had to say on Twitter about Pawson being appointed as referee for Friday…
https://twitter.com/mustafa35672130/status/1450433645244780548
https://twitter.com/SpritusInvictus/status/1450447033052041220
https://twitter.com/afcdxn/status/1450443115534471176
https://twitter.com/keyahmark/status/1450433256407642112
https://twitter.com/mujeeb179420/status/1450427333274439681
https://twitter.com/Ackid88/status/1450424091069063173
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