Joao Pedro's 'controversial' penalty for Brighton vs Arsenal analysed: 'What's VAR doing?' • The Tycoon Herald

Sky Sports activities Information pundits Jay Bothroyd and Clinton Morrison have each questioned how VAR failed to identify William Saliba’s contact on the ball within the controversial penalty incident that noticed Brighton deny Arsenal victory.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta mentioned “I’ve never seen a decision like this in my career” after Arsenal’s Premier League title problem was dealt a blow by a debatable penalty award in a 1-1 draw at Brighton.

With Arsenal main 1-0 by way of Ethan Nwaneri’s early opener, Joao Pedro went down after clashing heads with Saliba as they each contested for a lopping ball.

Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot and VAR agreed with the decision as there was “sufficient contact” from the Arsenal defender, regardless of sure angles clearly displaying Saliba getting a contact on the ball simply earlier than catching Pedro.

Talking on Sky Sports activities Information, Boothroyd and Morrison have been staggered by VAR’s failure to overturn the on-field determination due to the contact on the ball from the defender.

“It wasn’t a penalty,” Boothroyd mentioned.

“Initially, after I first did see it at full tempo and from the primary two angles, I did suppose it was a penalty. Nonetheless, it’s the third replay from one other angle the place you see Saliba contact the ball along with his head.

“When he touches the ball with his head, it’s not a penalty.”

‘By no means seen it in my life’

Requested by Sky Sports activities for his tackle the choice, Mikel Arteta mentioned:

“I have never seen it in my life and Saliba touches the ball. For me, a clear no penalty.”

“The sport comes with a choice that could be very disappointing.

“I’ve by no means seen a choice like this in my profession. I requested the boys if they’ve and no one has seen it earlier than.

“When you look at the incident, the distance, the player, Joao Pedro touching the ball, Saliba touching the ball, you can see contact there.”

Requested if he felt VAR ought to have overturned the choice, he replied: “If I expect it? I checked and after three seconds they said they already checked it. It seems quick.”

He added: “Joao Pedro has gone down like he’s been hit in the face with a bat but ultimately, Saliba has got the ball.

“It isn’t a penalty as a result of there is a contact on the ball. It is only a unhealthy determination.

“The only thing I’d look at is because the ball has landed where Pedro wants to run, the referee has looked at it and thought it’s a penalty, but when you look at all the angles we are privileged to see, it’s not a penalty.”

‘You may clearly see the contact’

Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports activities:

“Saliba will get himself in a muddle. Then it is only a response, to stay his head out to attempt to win the ball. It is chaotic and it isn’t what we might usually affiliate with Arsenal.

“Is it a penalty? Absolutely. You can see the contact.”

Steve Sidwell on Sky Sports activities:

“Joao Pedro has shown a bit of Brazilian flair. As the ball has come up, he reads the bounce and flicks it up. It’s a genuine attempt to get the ball from Saliba but Joao Pedro gets there before him.”

‘What’s VAR doing?’

Morrison agreed and questioned the involvement of Paul Tierney and Dan Prepare dinner, who have been on VAR obligation at Stockley Park for the sport on the Amex Stadium.

“I don’t blame the referee, I blame VAR,” Morrison mentioned.

“What is VAR doing up there?

“That is the primary time I’ve seen the incident however after three replays I can clearly see the contact on the ball from the defender.

“From the referee’s angle, I’d have said penalty. But after watching it two or three times it is just not a penalty.”

He added: “Send him to the monitor.

“I do not care if Anthony Taylor is likely one of the greatest referees round. Ship him to the display.

“Sometimes it feels like VAR are worried to send the top referees to the monitor and overrule him.

“However everybody could make errors. That’s what VAR is there for. It is there to assist.”

‘Choice may show essential for Arsenal’s title hopes’

Pedro’s profitable spot kick meant Arsenal at the moment are 5 factors behind Premier League leaders Liverpool having performed two video games extra, and Boothroyd insists extra time ought to have been taken over such a key determination within the sport and probably the title rce.

“With VAR, sometimes they take ages with an offside decision that I know is offside straight away,” Boothroyd mentioned.

“Then you see events like this one where it is something they should take their time on and look at properly. Obviously, I think they’ve got this one wrong.

“These are the sort of points dropped that will cost Arsenal.

“If you have a look at the entire sport, in the direction of the tip Arsenal have been holding on.

“Brighton played really well in the second half. Let’s give them a lot of credit. Fabian Hurzeler made some really good substitutions that came on and affected the game.

“However finally, it is the penalty that has stopped Arsenal getting the consequence they wanted.”