Aston Villa’s John McGinn escapes without card despite kicking Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori in face

JOHN MCGINN escaped a caution during Aston Villa’s clash with Arsenal after kicking Riccardo Calafiori in the face. Villa and the Gunners were playing at a new-look Villa Park on Monday when McGinn and Calafiori clashed in the first half. John McGinn escaped a booking after booting Riccardo Calafiori’s face Credit: Reuters The Arsenal star rolled around on the floor after McGinn caught him in the penalty area The Scottish midfielder was in the Arsenal penalty box attempting to win the ball. However, Italian Calafiori was on hand to defend the ball and clear it away. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! The 24-year-old bravely moved his head down towards the ball as McGinn’s boot flew up in turn to try and win it back. But rather than making clean contact with the ball, McGinn’s boot only caught Calafiori in the face. Referee Jarred Gillett awarded a foul in Arsenal’s favour as Calafiori rolled around on the floor. However, he did not reach into his pocket to book the 31-year-old, with both stars okay. Fans on social media weren’t too happy with that decision one way or another. One said: “Dangerous challenge by John McGinn from Aston Villa. Riccardo Calafiori on the receiving end of that. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK A second said: “Calafiori was furious lol McGinn nearly messed up the money maker.” A third added: “Glad Calafiori ducked out of that McGinn high boot.” Villa captain McGinn did later pick up a yellow after a crunching foul on Mikel Merino. By then Arsenal had taken the lead after Bukayo Saka ghosted in behind Ian Maatsen to tap home a cross from Calafiori. Arsenal ticket and hospitality deals GET tickets to see Arsenal home games with these official deals. The packages include optional upgrades to VIP hospitality. 6 Sep v Chelsea — BOOK HERE 10 Oct v Leeds United — BOOK HERE 24 Oct v Everton — BOOK HERE 7 Nov v Hull City — BOOK HERE More games available here. *If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Comment now