Arsenal fans think Lyanco should have been sent off during draw after ‘attempted headbutt’ on Eddie Nketiah

ARSENAL fans feel Southampton defender Lyanco escaped a red card for an “attempted headbutt” on Eddie Nketiah.

Lyanco, 25, locked horns with second half substitute Nketiah late on in Sunday’s 1-1 draw.

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Lyanco appeared to ‘headbutt’ NketiahCredit: Sky Sports

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The Brazilian then put his hands on Nketiah’s neckCredit: Sky Sports

The Brazilian appeared to thrust his head towards Nketiah before squaring up with the England youth star.

He even appeared to put his hands on Nketiah’s neck, something Gunners hero Granit Xhaka saw red for against Burnley in 2020.

But the altercation only resulted in a yellow card for the defender, which Arsenal fans feel is the wrong decision.

One said on Twitter: “Probably the worst refereeing performance I have ever seen.

“Lyanco this game punches Jesus TWICE, headbutted Nketiah, grabbed him by the neck and that’s not even mentioning all his tugs and pushes and little fouls.”

Another tweeted: “Lyanco should’ve been sent off. Wasn’t fiery between two players, was one player with two examples of violent conduct.

“Referee made the wrong decision. VAR not even consulted by the looks of things.”

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, meanwhile, was pleased with Lyanco’s performance.

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The South Coast side have avoided defeat in their last three games, and their uptake in form comes as Hassenhuttl was under increasing pressure to be sacked.

He said Lyanco “did a very nasty job today as a defender”.

The Austrian said, as quoted by the Daily Echo: “We never complain about what happens off the pitch and Lyanco did a very nasty job today as a defender.

“As a full-back he had more problems but coming inside he was more comfortable.”