Arsenal are reportedly preparing to contact Pro Ref and chief refereeing officer Howard Webb over the controversial penalty awarded to Sunderland during the Gunners’ 2-0 victory.
The decision has become another talking point for the refereeing body, which is already facing criticism over Erling Haaland’s winning goal in the Manchester derby.
Haaland’s strike was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision after determining that Patrick Dorgu had played him onside. Manchester City went on to win 1-0, despite playing most of the match with ten men following Phil Foden’s sending-off.
However, the decision sparked confusion among fans, pundits and Manchester United players, particularly over whether Enzo Fernandez’s attempt to play the ball should have affected the offside call.
Pro Ref later admitted that the VAR officials had made an “error of judgement” and said a review of the incident would take place.
In a statement, the organisation explained that Haaland was in an onside position, but the VAR failed to recognise the likely impact of Fernandez’s position and should have recommended an on-field review.
Arsenal Also Unhappy With Sunderland Penalty
According to journalist Henry Winter, Arsenal are now expected to raise their concerns with Webb and Pro Ref over the penalty awarded to Sunderland after a challenge involving Ezri Konsa and Dan Ballard.
Winter wrote on X:
“Arsenal to get in contact with Howard Webb and Pro Ref today over the Sunderland penalty awarded against Ezri Konsa when it appeared more a judo roll by Dan Ballard.”
The incident did not ultimately affect the result, as David Raya saved Enzo Le Fée’s penalty before Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka scored to secure the win for Arsenal.
Winter also suggested that Arsenal could bring up the Manchester derby decision, arguing that it may have greater implications for the title race than the Sunderland penalty.
Mikel Arteta made his frustration clear after the match, describing the decision as “unacceptable”.
“I watched it 20 times and I cannot find a way to understand how they think to give a penalty in that situation, or the way the VAR has to intervene,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal manager also warned that decisions like this could have a major impact over the course of a season.
“I’m sad that we have to discuss this after such a beautiful game, that at this level, has the gravity of that. Because that changes the course of the season and it can cost you the championship,” he added.
Arsenal will return to action on Tuesday, September 15, when they travel to face Ipswich Town in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
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