Sky Sports News pundits Jay Bothroyd and Clinton Morrison have both questioned how VAR failed to spot William Saliba's touch on the ball in the controversial penalty incident that saw Brighton deny Arsenal victory.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: “I've never seen a decision like that in my career” after Arsenal's Premier League title challenge was dealt a blow by a questionable penalty in a 1-1 draw at Brighton.
With Arsenal leading 1–0 through Ethan Nwaneri's early opener, Joao Pedro went down after colliding with Saliba as they both battled for a lopping ball.
Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot and VAR agreed with the decision as there was “sufficient contact” from the Arsenal defender, despite it being clear from certain angles that Saliba touched the ball just before he caught Pedro.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Boothroyd and Morrison expressed surprise at VAR's failure to overturn the decision on the pitch due to the defender's touch of the ball.
“It wasn't a penalty,” Boothroyd said.
“When I first saw it at full speed and from the first two angles, I initially thought it was a penalty. However, it is the third replay from a different angle where you see Saliba touching the ball with his head.
“If he touches the ball with his head, it's not a penalty.”
He added: “Joao Pedro fell as if he had been hit in the face with a club, but in the end Saliba got the ball.
“It's not a penalty because there is a touch of the ball. It's just a bad decision.
“The only thing I would look at is because the ball has landed where Pedro wants to run. The referee looked at it and thought it was a penalty, but if you look at all the angles we are allowed to see, it is not a penalty.” fine.”
'What does the VAR do?'
Morrison agreed and questioned the involvement of Paul Tierney and Dan Cook, who were on VAR duty at Stockley Park for the match at the Amex Stadium.
“I don't blame the referee, I blame the VAR,” Morrison said.
'What is VAR doing there?
“This is the first time I've seen the incident, but after three replays I can clearly see the defender's touch on the ball.
“From the referee's perspective I would have said a penalty. But after two or three looks it's just not a penalty.”
He added, “Send him to the monitor.
“I don't care if Anthony Taylor is one of the best referees out there. Send him to the screen.
“Sometimes it feels like the VAR is afraid to send the top referees to the monitor and overrule him.
“But everyone can make mistakes. That's what VAR is for. It's there to help.”
'Decision could be crucial to Arsenal's title hopes'
Pedro's successful penalty left Arsenal five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after playing two games. Boothroyd insists more time should have been spent on such an important decision in the match and possibly the title race.
“With VAR it sometimes takes ages with an offside decision that I immediately know is offside,” Boothroyd said.
“Then you see events like this where they have to take their time and look at it carefully. I clearly think they are wrong.
“These are the kind of points losses that will cost Arsenal money.
“If you look at the whole game, Arsenal held on towards the end.
“Brighton played really well in the second half. Let's give them a lot of credit. Fabian Hurzeler made some really good substitutions who came on and influenced the game.
But ultimately it is the penalty that prevents Arsenal from achieving the desired result.”
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