The Premier League has clarified the decision to penalize William Saliba for a foul on Joao Pedro, which resulted in Brighton earning a controversial penalty.
Arsenal was leading 1-0 with Ethan Nwaneri’s early goal, but the game took a dramatic turn in the second half.
During a clearance attempt, Saliba clashed heads with Pedro, who fell to the ground. Referee Anthony Taylor, after a lengthy deliberation and VAR consultation, awarded Brighton a penalty.
“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,” read a statement on the Premier League Match Centre’s X account.
Joao Pedro, who also scored in Brighton’s earlier clash with Arsenal at the Emirates, felt the decision was justified. Reflecting on the incident, he said: “I tried to control the ball and then [Saliba] hit me. It’s good that I scored. I always try to contribute with goals and assists.”
Arsenal players surrounded referee Anthony Taylor in protest, but the penalty stood. Pedro confidently converted the spot-kick to level the score, maintaining his scoring streak against the Gunners.
“I love the feeling of scoring and hope to do it more often,” he added after the match.
The penalty decision and its aftermath have sparked widespread debate, with fans and pundits weighing in on whether the contact warranted such a pivotal call.
If Saliba had gone in with his feet and missed the ball but took out the player, it’s a penalty.
Saliba has gone to head the ball, missed it and took out the player, it’s a penalty.
He didn’t mean it, but it’s a foul anywhere else on the pitch too.