Should Dean Henderson Have Seen Red? Analyzing The Palace Goalkeeper's DOGSO Incident

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Post on May 18, 2025

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Should Dean Henderson Have Seen Red? Analyzing the Palace Goalkeeper's DOGSO Incident

The Crystal Palace clash against Arsenal on October 21st, 2023, saw a controversial incident involving Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli. The resulting denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity, categorized by the laws of the game as a Denial of an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO), sparked a furious debate: should Henderson have been sent off? Let's delve into the incident and analyze whether the referee made the correct decision.

The Incident: A Frame-by-Frame Analysis

The controversial moment unfolded in the 77th minute. With Arsenal pressing for a goal, Martinelli raced towards the Palace goal, one-on-one with Henderson. As Martinelli attempted to round the goalkeeper, Henderson appeared to make deliberate contact, bringing down the Arsenal attacker just outside the penalty area. While some argue the challenge was a fair attempt to win the ball, the vast majority believe Henderson's actions clearly prevented a goal. The lack of a penalty and a red card ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and pundits alike.

The Laws of the Game: Understanding DOGSO

The laws of the game are clear on DOGSO incidents. A red card is mandatory when a player commits a foul that denies an opponent a clear goalscoring opportunity. Key factors considered include:

• The distance of the attacker from the goal: Was the attacker close enough to score with a high probability?
• The defender's position relative to the attacker: Did the defender have a clear opportunity to intercept the ball legally?
• The attacker's control of the ball: Was the attacker in a position of control and likely to score?

In Henderson's case, Martinelli was bearing down on goal with a significant advantage. The argument for a red card rests on the belief that Henderson's actions, irrespective of location (inside or outside the box), directly prevented a high-percentage goalscoring opportunity.

The Referee's Decision: A Controversial Call

Referee, Michael Salisbury, opted against issuing a red card, much to the dismay of Arsenal fans and players. The decision was met with significant criticism, with many arguing that the referee missed a clear and obvious foul. While Salisbury might have felt Henderson's intention wasn't malicious, the outcome – a denied clear goalscoring opportunity – remains the crucial element in DOGSO rulings.

Expert Opinions and Post-Match Reactions

Former Premier League referees have weighed in, with some supporting the referee's decision and citing the marginal position of the foul outside the penalty area. However, many others have strongly condemned the lack of a red card, highlighting the undeniable fact that Martinelli was almost certain to score. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta voiced his frustration, emphasizing the impact of the decision on the game's outcome.

Conclusion: A Debatable Decision with Lasting Consequences

The Dean Henderson incident remains a highly debated topic. While the precise intention behind the challenge is subjective, the objective consequence – the prevention of a highly probable goal – strongly suggests a red card should have been issued. The referee's decision, however controversial, highlights the complexities and challenges involved in interpreting the laws of the game in real-time, especially with high-pressure situations. The debate continues, fueling conversations around the consistency and application of DOGSO rulings in professional football.