- The decision to award Joao Pedro against Arsenal sparked much division
- He and William Saliba had clashed heads and the Brighton star went to ground
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! New formation, some new faces, but the optimism has gone at Old Trafford
Gary Lineker and Danny Murphy delivered a unanimous verdict on the controversial decision to award Joao Pedro a penalty against Arsenal on Saurday.
The Brighton star converted his spot-kick to cancel out teenage star Ethan Nwaneri’s opener and ensure the spoils were shared at the Amex Stadium.
Pedro had been running through Arsenal’s box and tried to get a head to the ball when he was floored by Gunners centre-back William Saliba.
Saliba appeared to try and make an initial genuine attempt to play the ball but then clattered into the side of Pedro’s head as the Brighton star immediately hit the ground writhing in agony.
Referee Anthony Taylor took his time before deeming the incident as a foul and pointed to the spot with VAR later confirming his on-field decision, but it caused a hugely divided response.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta branded it ‘very disappointing’ and claimed he had ‘never seen a decision’ like it in his career.
William Saliba (left) was deemed to have fouled Joao Pedro(right) as he accidentally headbutted the Brighton star
Pedro was left writhing in agony on the floor after being floored by Saliba’s headbutt
He scored from the spot to rescue a 1-1 draw for Brighton that dents Arsenal’s title hopes
And on Saturday night’s Match of the Day show, Lineker and Murphy were in agreement.
‘Players coming together accidentally, going for the ball, I don’t want to see penalties given for. Most people don’t,’ said Murphy.
‘I agree,’ said Lineker. ‘I’ve watched football for far too long and I’ve never seen a penalty given for a clash of heads. It happens in every corner!’
Saliba escaped a red card for his headbutt but was later left furious as Pedro scored from the spot that ultimately sealed a draw for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
The result leaves Arsenal five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, having played two games more than the Reds, who host Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Arteta said: ‘It’s a decision that is very disappointing.
‘I have never seen a decision like this in my career. I asked the boys if they have and nobody has seen it before. When you look at the incident, the distance, the player, Joao touching the ball, then Saliba touching the ball, you can see contact there.
‘I checked (with the officials). After three seconds they said they had already checked. It seems quick.’
Saliba missed his attempted header at the ball and connected with the side of Pedro’s head
Opinions were furiously split between both fan bases online in the immediate aftermath with Brighton fans largely claiming Saliba should have been sent off, while Arsenal supporters fumed they had been cheated.
Venting their anger on X, one Brighton supporter said: ‘Just got to the penalty incident. That’s a clear penalty, why is there outrage?
‘In fact, William Saliba is very lucky to not get a red card. Arsenal fans should remember Nicolas Pepe got a red card for a much minor headbutt. Joao Pedro could have got a serious head injury.’
Another Seagulls fan similarly added: ‘How was that not a red card for William Saliba? Arsenal are extremely lucky to have 11 players on the pitch! It was a calm and cool penalty from Joao Pedro!’.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s anger was fuelled by fans as one aggrieved supporter claimed Mikel Arteta’s side had been robbed of victory and posting on X said: ‘Another crucial game decided by incompetent officiating.
‘Saliba very clearly heads the ball before making contact with Pedro, yet a penalty is awarded anyway.
‘They go out of their way to find an opportunity to rob us every single week.
Another Arsenal fan echoed similar anger, stating: ‘Never a penalty. You’ll not see that decision given at all for the rest of the season.’
Mikel Arteta described Joao Pedro’s equalising penalty as a decision he has ‘never’ seen
The decision was later explained by the PGMOL who explained: ‘The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.’
Jamie Redknapp supported the call and in his post-match analysis told Sky Sports: ‘It’s chaotic and it’s not something we associate with them (Saliba and Gabriel). Is it a penalty? Absolutely.’
