The Premier League has released a statement addressing Brighton’s controversial penalty in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.
Joao Pedro’s second-half penalty secured a point for the Seagulls after Ethan Nwaneri had given the Gunners the lead with a well-taken finish before halftime.
The penalty was awarded when referee Anthony Taylor judged that William Saliba had headbutted Pedro inside the box. Pedro then calmly sent David Raya the wrong way to equalize.
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In its statement, the Premier League clarified: “The referee’s decision to award a penalty for a foul by Saliba on João Pedro was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, which determined there was sufficient contact to justify the penalty.”
Arsenal now sit on 40 points from 20 games, trailing Liverpool by five points, with Liverpool having two games in hand.