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.
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