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'I was absolutely gobsmacked!' - Vardy's red card escape against Arsenal's Mustafi proves decline in refereeing standards, says Hackett

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett was left "gobsmacked" to see Leicester star Jamie Vardy avoid a red card for kicking Shkodran Mustafi during the 1-1 draw with Arsenal last week.

The England striker's boot caught the side of the Gunners centre-back's head as the pair tumbled to the ground following a challenge for the ball in the first half of the Premier League clash.

Referee Chris Kavanagh appeared not to spot the incident, however, as Vardy went unpunished and eventually netted the equaliser for the Foxes in the 84th minute of the clash.

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While VAR did not intervene to punish Vardy, it was called upon later in the game, leading to Arsenal attacker Eddie Nketiah being dismissed in the second period, just four minutes after he came off the bench.