Arsenal to seek explanation from Pro Ref over Sunderland penalty decision

Arsenal are preparing to contact the Premier League’s refereeing body, Pro Ref, to request an explanation for the penalty awarded to Sunderland in Saturday’s match between the sides.

Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the 2026-2027 season with a 2-0 victory at the Stadium of Light. Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka scored in the second half, while David Raya saved Enzo Le Fee’s penalty.

However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the decision to award Sunderland a spot-kick as unacceptable.

Referee John Brooks pointed to the penalty spot after deciding that Ezri Konsa had brought down Daniel Ballard inside the area during a corner. His decision was upheld by video assistant referees Stuart Attwell and Edward Smart.

Brooks said at the time that Konsa had been completely attached to Ballard while facing in the wrong direction.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal will approach Pro Ref to seek clarification over the incident. The organisation is already facing considerable scrutiny following controversy surrounding an Enzo Fernandez goal in the Manchester derby.

Pro Ref previously admitted an error in the decision to allow Erling Haaland’s goal for Manchester City against Manchester United. It said Fernandez had been in an offside position when Josko Gvardiol delivered the cross.

Haaland also appeared to have moved beyond Manchester United’s last defender, but replays showed that Patrick Dorgu’s foot had kept the Norway striker onside before he redirected the ball into the far corner.

The assistant referee initially ruled out Haaland’s goal for offside. However, the video assistant referee team did not recommend that referee Michael Oliver review the footage on the pitch.

The VAR officials instead decided that Fernandez’s offside position had not affected play, despite the midfielder moving forward and attempting to reach the cross with his head.

Manchester United subsequently received an apology from Pro Ref. In a statement, the organisation said the VAR officials responsible for the match “did not recognise the potential impact of his (Fernandez’s) position and should have recommended an on-field review”.

Arsenal’s decision to contact Pro Ref suggests the club wants, at the very least, an official explanation for the penalty decision. It may also hope to secure an acknowledgement that an error was made and receive an apology.