Regarding the event wherein his teammate was given a second yellow card, Calafiori has voiced his views.
As the first player from Arsenal to openly criticise teammate Leandro Trossard for his contentious second yellow card during the 2-2 draw with Manchester City, Riccardo Calafiori has done so.
At the stroke of halftime, referee Michael Oliver blew for a foul, and Trossard was sent off for kicking the ball away.
However, several supporters feel that Trossard, the Belgium international, was handled unfairly at the Etihad Stadium because of the interval between Oliver’s whistle and his kickaway of the ball.
Because of this, Arsenal was forced to play the second half with just ten men, and until John Stones’ equaliser in the 98th minute, they were just minutes from pulling off a thrilling triumph.
Calafiori had earlier tied the game at one goal apiece for Arsenal with a breathtaking long-range shot with his left foot that looped into the upper right corner.
The Italian also shared his thoughts on Trossard’s red card with the media following his first Premier League goal.
“To keep the game entertaining to watch, the referees have to do their job,” he remarked, trying not to give too much away. However, they don’t have to exert themselves too much when they take these kinds of actions.
“I doubt that Leo ever heard the whistle. Please, you must complete your work and nothing more.”
The game at the Etihad Stadium was significantly affected by Trossard’s dismissal, forcing Arsenal into a stern defensive performance in the second half.
Despite starting as a centre forward, Kai Havertz spent most of the second half playing as an extra defender, and it resulted in their lone goal of the game.
Oliver’s judgement did not impress Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal: “It is very worrying to see in the best league, as it has already happened twice in five games [the red card situation].”
With eleven players, it is quite difficult to play. Ten makes it unfeasible. You have to constantly defend your six-yard box when you have ten.”