The Premier League issued a statement following a controversial foul during the Brighton vs. Arsenal match.
João Pedro equalized with a penalty shortly after the hour mark, following Ethan Nwaneri’s first-half opener. The penalty was awarded after William Saliba was deemed to have accidentally headbutted Pedro inside the box.
Referee Anthony Taylor promptly pointed to the spot, and Pedro converted the penalty. The Premier League later confirmed that the incident had been reviewed and upheld by VAR, which found sufficient contact for the penalty.
Their 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.”
The decision divided fans on social media. One user commented: “Just like any other tackle really. Pedro wins the ball first, and Saliba is late. Correct decision.” Another argued: “That’s an incredibly soft penalty. Saliba was trying to head the ball, and there was only the slightest graze on Pedro’s head.”
A third fan said: “Not sure why people are complaining. Saliba heads Pedro instead of the ball. Clear penalty.” Meanwhile, another remarked: “It was a penalty, but you don’t see those given often. Saliba mistimed it and headbutted him.” One fan suggested: “It looked more like a clash of heads. If Saliba had gone down holding his head, it probably wouldn’t have been given.”
The penalty proved decisive, as Brighton secured a 1-1 draw against Arsenal. The Gunners reduced the gap on league leaders Liverpool to one point, while Brighton moved into 10th place in the table.
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