Arsenal FC: Ex-Premier League referee says Jurrien Timber 'should have been red carded' in Sunderland draw

The Dutchman started at the Stadium of Light and was in the wars during the first half as a clash of heads left him requiring lenghty treatment and subsquently bandaged up.

However, Hackett believes Timber should have been sent off, telling Football Insider: “We have a loose interpretation of the laws of the game, and a failure to recognise that these challenges, which have a semi-stamping approach with a landing area on the boot or lower leg, get away with it.

“The player has completely overstepped the ball and into the player. That’s an offence that merits a sanction, but it’s not forthcoming.

“Players are very good at hiding challenges, and because there is a loose approach from the PGMOL, we are seeing more of them.

“For me, that challenge has endangered the safety of an opponent. I’m quite clear that these challenges need to be outlawed. There needs to be a firmer approach by the PGMOL.

“Referees should be all about the safety of the players. But these challenges are growing. He should have been red-carded.”

Ballard, who came back to haunt his former club with a goal and an assist, appeared to catch Merino with his elbow and infruiate Mikel Arteta in the process.

Speaking on Sky Sports Ref Watch, he said: "VAR looked at it. I don't think it's a foul. His used his arms for leverage. If anything, Merino comes into him. There's a clash but there's clashes all the time in football. It's strong defending."

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