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The Premier League has provided clarity on the contentious penalty decision that marred Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The incident occurred just after the break, when Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for bringing down Everton winger Jack Harrison inside the area. Although replays showed both players grappling with each other’s shirts, referee Darren England judged Lewis-Skelly’s actions to have crossed the line.
The decision sparked heated protests from the Arsenal camp, with many questioning whether the foul even took place within the box. Despite the outcry, VAR reviewed the footage and ultimately upheld the original call.
"The referee’s call of penalty for the challenge by Lewis-Skelly on Harrison was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be sufficient for a penalty and inside the area," the Premier League's Match Centre stated on social media.
Lewis-Skelly was later substituted in the 75th minute, replaced by Kieran Tierney.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta didn’t hold back in his post-match comments, expressing frustration with the decision and its impact on the game’s outcome.
“The referee gives a penalty that changes the course of the game,” said Arteta. “I’ve watched it 15 times and, in my opinion, there’s no way that’s a penalty. If it is, then [Jake] O'Brien has to be sent off and Everton should be down to 10 men. That’s clear.”
With the result leaving Arsenal’s title ambitions hanging by a thread, the decision will likely remain a hot topic as the season enters its final stages.
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Featured Image Credit: X.com / @premierleague, Instagram / @arsenal
