The Premier League released a statement regarding an unusual foul during the Brighton vs. Arsenal match.
Joao Pedro equalized Ethan Nwaneri’s first-half goal with a penalty just after the hour mark.
Pedro was deemed to have been fouled by William Saliba, who unintentionally headbutted the Brighton forward inside the box. ..Continue Reading
Referee Anthony Taylor quickly awarded the penalty to Brighton, which Pedro successfully converted.
Following the incident, the Premier League announced that VAR had reviewed and confirmed the foul.
The statement read: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on João Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”
Supporters on social media were left divided over Saliba’s foul on Pedro.
One X user wrote: “Just like any other tackle that really. Ball is there to be won, Pedro wins it first and Saliba is late. Correct decision.”
A second tweeted: “I’m sorry that’s an incredibly soft penalty. Saliba is attempting to head the ball, and there is the lightest graze of Joao Pedro’s head.”
A third added: “Not sure why there’s complaints about that penalty decision. Saliba heads Joao Pedro and completely misses the ball… Blatant penalty…”
A fourth said: “I called that as a penalty when I saw it. Saliba mistimed and headbutt him. But you don’t really see those given.”
A fifth commented: “Balls in the air to be won. More of a clash of heads if Saliba went down holding his head as well, wouldn’t have been given.”
The penalty played a vital role as Brighton secured a draw against Arsenal, resulting in a 1-1 finish.
The Gunners managed to narrow the gap to league leaders Liverpool, but only by a single point.
Meanwhile, Brighton moved up to 10th place, entering the top half of the league table.
