Arsenal to seek Pro Ref explanation over controversial Konsa penalty against Sunderland

Arsenal are set to contact refereeing body Pro Ref for an explanation over the penalty awarded against Ezri Konsa during their Premier League win over Sunderland.

Konsa was penalised after a physical battle with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard inside the Arsenal box, with referee John Brooks deciding that the Gunners defender had committed an excessive holding offence.

The decision was reviewed by VAR but upheld, leading to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta strongly criticising the call after the match.

Arsenal demand clarity over penalty

It is understood Arsenal want to know how Brooks arrived at his decision and why VAR backed the spot-kick.

The Premier League Match Centre said: “The referee’s call of penalty to Sunderland for a holding offence by Konsa on Ballard was checked and confirmed by VAR.”

Arteta was far less convinced, arguing that such a decision could have serious consequences over the course of the season.

“This is not acceptable at this level,” the Arsenal manager said.

“I watched it 20 times and I cannot find a way to understand how they think to give a penalty in that situation, or the way the VAR has to intervene.”

Arteta also warned that major refereeing decisions could ultimately affect the title race.

“At this level, with all the work we put in, this cannot happen,” he added.

Pundits also question decision

The decision attracted further criticism from Match of the Day pundits Ashley Williams and Thomas Frank, who both believed Sunderland should not have been awarded a penalty.

Williams was particularly critical of the call, suggesting that Ballard was responsible for the nature of the contact.

“I think he’s got it completely wrong,” Williams said.

“It’s almost like a perfect hip toss in judo [from Ballard]. In no way is it a penalty.”