Ex-Premier League referee issues verdict on Emerson Royal’s red card during Arsenal vs Tottenham

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has issued his verdict on Emerson Royal’s sending off against Arsenal.

Tottenham put on a disappointing performance in the North London Derby on Saturday, losing 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners looked more up for it from the start, and despite getting an equaliser through a Harry Kane spotkick, Spurs were never able to capture the momentum.

Gabriel Jesus scored just after half-time, and Emerson’s red card for an overly aggressive tackle in the 62nd minute saw the contest all-but ended, with Granit Xhaka doubling Arsenal’s lead five minutes later.

Most agreed on the red card, given Gabriel Martinelli was headed back towards his own goal when Emerson dived in.

The challenge was not a desperate attempt to prevent a goal, and it certaintly wasn’t a situation that warranted the challenge the Spurs star put in.

Anthony Taylor was in little doubt over the decision, and former Premier League referee Gallagher agreed with the call.

He told Sky Sports News: “I think, when you see the assistant’s view, because I’m sure he played a major part in this, he sees the coming together - this is what they’ve worked on all season and I thought it was inevitable it was going to be a red card.

“It’s what we’ve seen this season, we’ve seen a challenge directly above the ankle, with the studs. I defend the referee compared to the Virgil van Dijk challenge in the Merseyside derby, but I don’t think that was a red card anyway.”

Emerson now faces a spell on the sidelines through suspension, with Tottenham now four points behind rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Antonio Conte will want a much better performance in the next North London Derby, with Tottenham simply failing to turn up at the Emirates Stadium this time around,