Mikel Arteta branded the decision as ‘unacceptable’ after Ezri Konsa was penalised for an adjudged foul on Dan Ballard when the game was goalless
Bookmark popover
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read moreSupport Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
**Your support makes all the difference.**Read more
Arsenal will seek an explanation from Pro Ref for the penalty awarded against them in their Premier League win at Sunderland.
Manager Mikel Arteta described referee John Brooks’ decision to penalise Ezri Konsa for an adjudged foul on Dan Ballard, with VAR not intervening, as “unacceptable”.
It’s understood that the Premier League champions will contact refereeing body Pro Ref for clarity on the second-half flashpoint.
The spot-kick was taken by Enzo Le Fee and brilliantly saved by David Raya, before Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka scored in a 2-0 win to retain Arsenal’s 100 per cent start to the season.
However, Arteta was furious with the decision which he said could have cost his side a victory at the Stadium of Light.
Mikel Arteta was furious with the decision to award Sunderland a penaltyopen image in gallery
Mikel Arteta was furious with the decision to award Sunderland a penalty (AP)
“It is not acceptable,” he said. “I watched it 20 times and I cannot find a way to understand how they’d think to give a penalty in that situation or the way the VAR has to intervene.
“At this level with all the work we put in, this cannot happen.”
It comes after Pro Ref admitted VAR made an “error in judgement” to award Erling Haaland’s controversial winner in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
Haaland was initially ruled to be offside when he tucked in Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross from the left wing to put City ahead, before VAR intervened after a lengthy check to allow the goal to stand, deeming Haaland in line with Patrick Dorgu’s foot.
Arsenal’s desire for an explanation comes after Pro Ref admitted an error in awarding Erling Haaland’s derby winneropen image in gallery
Arsenal’s desire for an explanation comes after Pro Ref admitted an error in awarding Erling Haaland’s derby winner (PA)
Enzo Fernandez, however, was in an offside position and appeared to interfere with play by making an lunge to latch onto the ball. The Premier League Match Centre said the fact Fernandez did not get a touch on the ball meant the goal was allowed to stand, something which challenging defender Lisandro Martinez branded as an “injustice”.
Mere hours after the game, Pro Ref released a statement confirming that the goal should not have stood and that Manchester United had been contacted.