The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel rules that the penalty awarded to Sunderland against Arsenal earlier this month is incorrect. In the September 12 match, referee John Brooks points to the spot in the 54th minute after judging that Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa committed a holding offence against Dan Ballard during a corner.
Although the penalty is taken by Enzo le Fée and saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, the panel says the decision should not have been given. The ruling also indicates that VAR is right not to intervene, according to the panel’s assessment. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts strongly after the match, telling reporters the game “was unprotected,” even though Arsenal ultimately wins 2-0.
Overall, both outlets report the same core finding: the spot-kick decision is deemed wrong, with the main difference focused on whether VAR should have changed it.
