Fans are split over whether Kai Havertz 'dived' to win penalty against Bournemouth

The build-up to Arsenal's opener in their Premier League clash against Bournemouth has become a huge talking point amongst fans on social media.

Mikel Arteta's side were awarded a penalty in the 41st minute of Saturday's tie at the Emirates after Kai Havertz was brought down by Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers.

Martin Odegaard slipped a defence-splitting pass into the German international, who tripped over Travers' trailing leg before referee David Coote pointed to the spot.

After a dozen or so replays of the incident, VAR agreed with Coote, despite Travers insisting that Havertz dangled a foot to initiate contact.

Bukayo Saka shortly converted from 12 yards to give Arsenal a crucial lead in their title push, but the big talking point at half-time was the decision to award a penalty.

Instead of giving these as penalties, if we're serious about getting rid of simulation, this should be a yellow card for Havertz.

pic.twitter.com/HarrP3Batx

— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) May 4, 2024

As you can imagine, the incident was met with a mixed reaction on social media.

One fan wrote: "Fair play Havertz but he's played the game there. Deliberately drags his foot. VAR is a fucking joke not turning that round. What's the point in it. The thing is the inconsistency. Havertz clearly simulates contact. MacAllister gets kicked in the chest. One is a pen and one isn't. Make it make sense and turn VAR off."

A second said: "Havertz left his leg there. Never a pen but won’t be overturned," while a third commented: "Few players are smart to get these decisions right in their favor. Havertz clearly knew what he was doing. Said this before. Title challenging 3 would get soft decisions in their favor most times. No ref has the guts to give the right decision here."

A fourth wrote: "There’s contact and the keeper didn’t get the ball. In no way did he move his leg towards the keepers foot."

A fifth added: "How is it simulation if there is keeper initiated contact? Keeper hasn't got the ball. Watch it at full speed instead of slow motion and its a penalty all day. Havertz hasn't moved his leg wider to initiate contact. It's not his prerogative to ensure the keeper doesn't take him out."

With a win over Bournemouth, Arsenal would go four points ahead of reigning champions Manchester City, who have two games in hand over their nearest title rivals.

Do you think it was a penalty? Let us know in the comments.