Fabian Hurzeler believes David Raya should have been sent off for time-wasting

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has launched a furious attack on Arsenal’s tactics, insisting that Gunners goalkeeper David Raya should have received two yellow cards for time-wasting and been sent off during his side’s 1-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium.

Fabian Hurzeler: Arsenal’s David Raya Should Have Been Sent Off, Premier League Must Act

Bukayo Saka’s ninth-minute goal separated the sides, but the match descended into a war of words post-game.

Hurzeler watched on in frustration as Arsenal slowed the game down dramatically in the second half to protect their lead.

The flashpoint arrived just before the hour mark. Raya saved from Georginio Rutter but remained on the turf clutching his shoulder, delaying the restart to receive treatment.

The incident left Hurzeler incensed on the touchline, believing the Spaniard was deliberately wasting time.

“The goalkeeper should be sent off with two yellow cards for time-wasting,” Hurzeler fumed after the match.

“Normally, that is a sending off, but you can’t do it. If you don’t have clear rules, it’s difficult for the referee.”

The German coach, who had urged officials to crack down on time-wasting in the build-up to the game, took a veiled swipe at Arsenal’s style.

“We try to play football,” he said.

“It’s not easy to get into a rhythm against an opponent who tries only to waste time.”

Hurzeler demanded the Premier League intervene to protect the spectacle. “The Premier League has to find a solution. For me, it doesn’t make it fun to see these kinds of games,” he added.

His views were echoed by former Premier League manager Alan Pardew, who claimed any Arsenal title win this season would come with an “asterisk next to their name” due to their perceived tactical fouls and delays.

When asked about Pardew’s comments and Hurzeler’s outrage, a calm Mikel Arteta played down the tension. “Not from my side,” the Arsenal boss said. “It is what it is.”

Dismissing calls for a rule change, Arteta shrugged: “They [the Premier League] would have to react every week. So, no point.”

Despite the controversy, Arsenal left the south coast with a massive three points. The win, combined with Manchester City’s draw against Nottingham Forest, puts the title race firmly back in the Gunners’ hands.