Leicester City vs Arsenal: Was Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ red card harsh?

Arsenal‘s campaign for a Champions League spot in the Premier League table received a setback on Sunday, when Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ red card paved the way for a Leicester victory.

The Foxes won 3-0 as hosts to Unai Emery’s side, as the Gunners conceded a goal to Youri Tielemans and two to Jamie Vardy.

Arsenal’s defensive shape and organisation for both goals was poor, and a contributing factor will have been the red card received by their right-back in the first half.

The incident

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Ainsley Maitland-Niles red card gives Foxes advantage.

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— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 28, 2019

Maitland-Niles received a yellow card eight minutes into the match for a foul, after which James Maddison began to dribble at the defender and force him into uncomfortable positions, begging him to commit to challenges.

For his second card, Maitland-Niles’s loose touch allowed Maddison to win possession for Leicester. In an attempt to recover the ball, the Arsenal right-back lunged for it, and in doing so seemed to make contact with the midfielder, who went down.

Referee Michael Oliver awarded a free kick, stopping advantage, and issued a second yellow and red card to Maitland-Niles.

What the rules say

Maitland Niles’ foul could be interpreted to have committed “in a reckless manner a direct free kick offence” or indeed “a foul simply to interfere with or stop a promising attack”, both of which are cautionable offences.

The interpretation of Law 12 in these situations, however, is notoriously pliable. The challenge appeared more clumsy than truly malicious, but Maitland-Niles was riding his luck after his first yellow.

Reaction

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Sky Sports’ Super Sunday pundits believed the decision to award a red card was harsh. Alex Scott clarifying she didn’t believe the challenge was deserving of a “second yellow card”, while Graeme Souness said the tackle was not a red card.

On BeIN Sports, Ally McCoist said: “I think the first yellow is kind of soft, but once you have the first yellow there’s no way you go in for that challenge.”

Arsenal manager Unai Emery was also clearly upset with the decision, as journalists noted.

Emery throws his coat at the bench, has been remonstrating with fourth official for some time and now he's arguing with the Leicester bench as well. He's got a face like thunder.

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) April 28, 2019

Emery is furious with that decision. Remonstrates with linesman and fourth official before taking his jacket off and throwing it on his seat. A game that they were already second-best in has just got considerably more difficult.

— James Olley (@JamesOlley) April 28, 2019

Souness spot on regarding Maitland-Niles red card; Maddison completely played Michael Oliver. #ARSLEI

— Alex Richards (@AA_Richards) April 28, 2019

Spectators and Arsenal fans were also angry with the decision.

The fact that Maitland-Niles has seen red for those two challenges is ridiculous.

— Phil Costa (@_PhilCosta) April 28, 2019

Maitland-Niles got sent off for two 'fouls' that barely merit a yellow card combined. Arguably neither were even fouls.

— Blahovic (@Blahovic) April 28, 2019