The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have clarified the reasons that Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was shown a red card in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
The Gabon international was originally cautioned by referee Paul Tierney for a challenge on Palace man Max Mayer, but the Video Assistant Referee intervened and advised that the card be upgraded to red.
The sending off meant that Arsenal had to play the final 23 minutes of the match with just 10 men, but perhaps more damaging is the three-game ban that will now follow for the Gunners' captain.
In a statement the PGMOL explains the choice to overturn to on field decision.
“In the 65th minute of Crystal Palace v Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Max Meyer by referee Paul Tierney," it said.
"The VAR looked at the incident and determined that the point of contact and the intensity of the challenge endangered the safety of the opponent and recommended upgrading the yellow card to a red card for serious foul play.”
Soon after the game, Aubameyang took to social media to send his best wishes to Mayer, who was injured by the challenge.
"Hopefully Max Meyer get well soon, I really didn't want to challenge him so hard," he posted on Instagram.
"I appreciate that the boys fought hard to take that win but unfortunately we come back with a draw. We keep going."
