Ex-ref: VAR would never overturn Arsenal penalty call

Arsenal's controversial spot-kick concession to Sunderland still divides opinion, even after a former referee weighed in.

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What happened. Arsenal conceded a controversial penalty against Sunderland after Ezri Konsa was penalised for bringing down Dan Ballard, though David Raya saved Enzo Le Fee's spot-kick. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher said VAR would 'never' overturn the decision.

• Arsenal won the match, scoring through Bruno Guimaraes and a late Bukayo Saka penalty.
• The club has been in dialogue with Pro Ref chief Howard over the decision.
• Gallagher cited pre-season grappling warnings as reason the call stands.

“At the start of the season, referees went in and warned teams about what is going to happen with grappling”

— Dermot Gallagher

Arsenal's win stands, but the debate over the penalty decision continues with the club seeking clarity from refereeing officials.

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