Sports
Arsenal demand meeting with refereeing body over Sunderland penalty
September 14, 2026 at 01:28 PM
Coverage
3 reports · over 2 hours
Arsenal have requested talks with refereeing body Pro Ref over the penalty awarded to Sunderland in Saturday's 1-0 win, which Mikel Arteta called "unacceptable at this level."
- Arsenal contacted Pro Ref on Monday to seek an explanation for the penalty awarded against Ezri Konsa during their win at Sunderland.
- Referee John Brooks awarded the spot-kick after Konsa's challenge on Dan Ballard, with the video assistant referee confirming the decision.
- Arteta said he watched the incident 20 times and could not understand the penalty, and that it could cost Arsenal the championship.
- Arsenal won the match 2-0, with goalkeeper David Raya saving Enzo Le Fee's penalty.
- The Premier League Match Centre clarified that Konsa's holding offence was 'checked and confirmed by VAR.'
- Arteta described the incident as 'a judo roll from the opponent' that 'can never be a penalty.'


