Premier League explain decision to give Brighton controversial penalty against Arsenal
The Premier League have issued a statement, clarifying the reason William Saliba was penalised for a foul on Joao Pedro which resulted in Brighton being awarded a controversial penalty.
Mikel Arteta’s side led with half an hour remaining thanks to Ethan Nwaneri’s early goal but were pegged back in controversial circumstances.
Pedro hit the floor when Saliba attempted to clear the ball with his head but made only minimal contact before clashing with his opponent.
After a long deliberation, referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot and the decision was upheld by VAR.
Pedro, who scored the equaliser when the two teams met at the Emirates earlier in the season, spoke after the game and felt Taylor’s decision was the right one.
He said: ‘I tried to control the ball and then [Saliba] hit me. It’s good that I scored. I always try to be positive with goals and assists.
