Howard Webb breaks silence on controversial Arsenal penalty call as PGMOL chief explains bizarre incident

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are reeling following their 2-0 EFL Cup defeat at home to Newcastle United that left their hopes in the competition hanging by a thread.

The result in the EFL Cup comes after more frustration in the Premier League as Arsenal were held to a draw at Brighton, leaving the Gunners trailing Liverpool by six points having also played a game more.

During that match, Brighton were awarded a penalty for a foul on Joao Pedro by William Saliba, Arsenal fans were left fuming with the penalty decision.

Ex-referee Dermot Gallagher has explained the VAR decision but many believe that Saliba won the ball, while ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes Arsenal have had ‘poor’ refereeing decisions this season.

• READ MORE: Ian Wright has just sent a strong message to Stan Kroenke and Arsenal’s board after Newcastle defeat

Howard Webb reveals Antony Taylor made correct decision in ‘unusual incident’

Speaking on Sky Sports Match Officials Mic’d Up, Howard Webb backed the decision of referee Antony Taylor to award and penalty and explained the reasoning behind it.

Webb stated: “Pedro flicks it up, he and Saliba go towards the ball and Pedro heads it onto Saliba. Saliba doesn’t head it. Saliba has the ball flicked onto his head and then he goes into the head of Pedro. He gets there late on Pedro, who goes down.”

Webb then goes on to explain the ruling by stating: “It’s a late contact by someone who hasn’t played the ball himself. The ball has touched him, but he’s not played it. And Pedro goes down. When you break it down in that way, it’s a foul.”

The decision seems to have divided the football world with many believing the foul was accidental and therefore should not have lead to a penalty kick.

Mikel Arteta has never seen a decision like it

Speaking after the game, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler felt that it “was a clear penalty” however, Arteta was frustrated with the decision.

Arteta went on to state that he had “never seen something like this in my life” perhaps explaining why Webb, the PGMOL chief called the incident “unusual.”

However, Webb is standing by his man Taylor and explained: “If a player cleanly plays the ball away or heads the ball away, you’re looking at something different. That’s not what happens here.”

The Gunners will be hoping they can bounce back from another controversial decision costing them points when they face North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium next in the league, while Manchester United are next up in the FA Cup.