New Match Officials Mic’d Up show reveals audio footage of VAR overruling decision to award Arsenal’s Kai Havertz a penalty against Manchester United on Sunday

The audio of the decision to reverse the penalty awarded to Kai Havertz for Arsenal against Manchester United on Sunday has been revealed by new footage.

The new TV program Match Officials: Mic’d Up is an initiative that aims to show fans what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ as officials make decisions.

PGMOL chief Howard Webb went over both correct and incorrect calls from last weekend’s Premier League action with former player Michael Owen to explain the process that led to these decisions and to increase transparency.

And Tuesday night’s show on Sky Sports saw Anthony Taylor brushing aside the penalty decision in the spirited game at the Emirates, with Webb claiming it was the right decision.

He said: “I watched this game and thought to myself, that looks like a penalty kick.

PGMOL chief Howard Webb (left) on the new Match Officials: Mic’d Up TV program explained the process behind how the referees came to the decision on Sunday

VAR officer Jarred Gillett advised an on-pitch assessment after questioning the contact made

After watching a replay, referee Anthony Taylor overturned the decision to award Arsenal the penalty

Full speed as Kai Havertz goes between Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro. The penalty has been given and we know that the VAR will always check any penalty situation.

It was good use of VAR. The referee thought Wan-Bissaka had tripped Havertz, but the video shows something completely different: There is initially no actual contact.

“One more step from Havertz, his leg goes into Wan-Bissaka. The VAR, very calmly and concisely, recognizes all this and considers it a clear and obvious mistake. I agree with that. Recommends a review. We come to the right decision.’

Taylor had initially pointed to the spot after thinking United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka had tripped Havertz.

However, VAR official Gillett reviewed the replays and ruled that the German striker’s leg had in fact cut Wan-Bissaka’s calf, not the other way around, and recommended Taylor for an on-pitch assessment.

After Australia’s Gillett explained his thoughts, the Wythenshawe-born referee agreed and overturned the penalty decision, instead giving a drop ball to Aaron Ramsdale.

Marcus Rashford scored the opener for the Red Devils from Erik ten Hag before Arsenal equalized through captain Martin Odegaard.

After Alejandro Garnacho’s last ‘winner’ was correctly ruled out for offside, Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus scored in stoppage time to secure a dramatic 3-1 victory for Mikel Arteta and Co.