Bruno Guimaraes was challenged by Ian Maatsen
Bruno Guimaraes was challenged by Ian Maatsen(Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Arsenal were robbed of a penalty during their Premier League encounter with Aston Villa, according to the top-flight Key Match Incidents Panel, which unanimously concluded that Ian Maatsen fouled Bruno Guimaraes.
The Gunners' Brazilian summer acquisition was felled inside the box in the 98th minute of Arsenal's triumph, yet referee Jarred Gillett waved away appeals, and VAR opted against intervening. The Arsenal midfielder's desperate pleas for a spot-kick fell on deaf ears.
Ultimately, the incident didn't prove decisive as Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of Bukayo Saka's strike. Nevertheless, it seems the north London outfit were denied a chance to extend their lead.
The Key Match Incident Panel comprises an independent group of five members: three former players or coaches, one Premier League representative, and one from ProRef. They provide an impartial evaluation of crucial decisions across every Premier League fixture.
The KMI Panel stated: "The panel felt that a penalty should have been awarded on-field for Maatsen's reckless challenge on Guimaraes. Clear contact was made on the attacker's standing leg and Maatsen made no contact with the ball.", reports the Mirror.
They also concluded that the penalty not being given represented a clear and obvious error. The Premier League stated: "They (KMI panel) also felt that VAR should have intervened as the non-penalty awarded was a clear and obvious error. The panel felt that the challenge was reckless and therefore a second caution should have been awarded."