ARSENAL fans will be biting their nails ahead of the North London Derby after it was confirmed Craig Pawson would take charge.
The ref is viewed dubiously by the Gunners faithful after controversially sending off two of their men in last season’s defeat by Wolves.
But the 42-year-old has been given the whistle for Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with both teams desperate for a win.
Pawson was in charge for Arsenal’s trip to Molineux back in February in which he showed red cards to David Luiz and Bernd Leno.
It was the treatment of Luiz that most irked Arsenal fans after the defender was sent off for a seemingly accidental trip on Wolves’ Willian Jose.
The red was later revealed to have been justified but at the time appeared harsh on Luiz.
Then-skipper Hector Bellerin also vented his frustration on social media afterwards, tweeting a cryptic image of Pawson fist-bumping with Wolves captain Conor Coady.
Keeper Leno was also shown red in the frantic fixture for a bizarre handball yards outside his box.
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And there was further fist-bump controversy after an image of Wolves’ match-winner Joao Moutinho saluting Pawson at full-time went viral.
Gunners fans are desperate not to be on the end of any questionable decisions on Sunday and voiced their concerns on social media.
Fan ‘Norma_ott’ wrote: “Often produces a…to be diplomatic shall we say…controversial decision against us. Not a fan. We’re gonna need to be perfect.”
‘DavidMaynard32’ said: “To be fair, our win record with most referees in recent years isn’t going to look great. I agree though that the Luiz decision was ridiculous… he owes us one!!!”
While ‘Michaelpauldre2’ added diplomatically: “We shouldn’t really be worrying about the ref or Spurs. Just concentrate on us.”
Arsenal are set to welcome Spurs to the Emirates with both sides already desperate for points.
The hosts sit in 13th and are eager to build on their recent run of two wins after a drab start to the campaign, while Tottenham’s bright August has turned into a wobbly September so far.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
