Premier League admits Arsenal VAR error against Sunderland

Tony Mogan Sports Editor PublishedSeptember 23, 2026 12:20pm UpdatedSeptember 23, 2026 12:20pm Arteta was furious with the decision (Picture: Shutterstock) The Premier League has admitted the decision to award Sunderland a penalty against Arsenal earlier this month was incorrect. The champions visited the Stadium of Light on Saturday September 12.

After a goalless first-half, Gunners defender Ezri Konsa was penalised for holding Sunderland's Dan Ballard during a corner kick with referee John Brooks pointing to the spot. Enzo Le Fee stepped up to take the penalty but was denied by David Raya.

Less than two minutes later, Bruno Guimaraes scored to give Arsenal the lead with Bukayo Saka scoring again late on. Despite the 2-0 win, the penalty incident infuriated Mikel Artera who described the decision as 'unacceptable.

' It has now been revealed the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel have unanimously ruled that Sunderland's penalty against Arsenal should not have been awarded. The Premier League's Key Match Incidents five-person panel unanimously disagreed with the on-field decision, stating: 'Although it was a very untidy challenge in which Konsa initially had arms around Ballard, Ballard engages in a holding action which pulls Konsa onto him so they both fall to the floor.

' Konsa was penalised for hauling down Ballard (Picture: NurPhoto/Shutterstock) The panel gave majority 3-2 backing to the decision of VAR Stuart Attwell not to intervene, however, stating it was not a clear and obvious error. After the match, Arteta said: 'It's unacceptable at this level.

Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about - powered by Metro and trusted publications. 'This can change the course of a season.

Because it's a judo roll, that's what it is. 'I've been in football for almost 27 years, 28 years, it's not a penalty in any case, in any game, in any context, in any league.