Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Image: Owen Humphreys)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Image: Owen Humphreys)
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 the Premier League champions will contact refereeing body Pro Ref for clarity on the second-half flashpoint.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Mikel Arteta's revealing Sunderland opinion after Arsenal rattled at Stadium of Light
What is next for Brian Brobbey at Sunderland as Regis Le Bris makes attacking call
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.
“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.”
Arsenal will take on Ipswich at Portman Road in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before they head to Brighton in the league this weekend as they bid to make it five wins from five. Sunderland host AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday night in their first Europa League game.