Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett has called for a review of referee Chris Kavanagh’s performance in Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.

The Blues put up a strong fight at the Emirates, but a first-half header from Mikel Merino proved decisive, closing the gap between the Gunners and league leaders Liverpool to 12 points. However, the biggest talking point post-match was Kavanagh’s officiating, with Hackett particularly critical of how he handled Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana’s challenges.

“Reviewing those challenges by Fofana in the game versus Arsenal, you have to say, how did he stay on the field of play?” Hackett questioned.

“When you look at that first challenge, it’s clearly reckless and demanded a yellow card, it received nothing. The second incident, is when an Arsenal player Rice is playing the ball forward, Fofana comes in late, and his foot is planted on the lower leg of the Arsenal player.

“That, for me, is totally unacceptable, and an act of serious foul play, which should have received a direct red card.

“Then on the third challenge, it’s a simple pull, it’s unsporting behaviour and at last, referee Kavanagh decided to intervene on a soft yellow. Correct in law, but those earlier two challenges that went unpunished by him is a worry, because this is not the standard of officiating that you expect at the highest level.

“I hope that somebody in power reviews his performance, and that he as a referee, receives some operational advice.”

Hackett’s comments are likely to spark debate among Chelsea fans, especially considering how inconsistent refereeing decisions have been in the Premier League this season. While Fofana was ultimately booked, the suggestion that he should have been sent off will only add to the scrutiny surrounding the officials’ handling of big matches.