- The Premier League admitted a mistake after Brighton & Hove Albion were denied a penalty against Arsenal
- The Key Match Incidents Panel found that Gabriel Martinelli had impeded Mats Wieffer, warranting a penalty and VAR intervention
- The incident added to scrutiny over VAR consistency, especially after another controversial decision involving Arsenal in a separate match
The Premier League has acknowledged a significant VAR error in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month.
The match, played at the Amex Stadium, was decided by an early goal from Bukayo Saka, securing all three points for Arsenal in a tightly contested encounter. However, controversy has since emerged over a key first-half incident.
Brighton had appealed for a penalty after Mats Wieffer was pulled down inside the box by Gabriel Martinelli. Referee Chris Kavanagh waved play on, while VAR official Michael Salisbury reviewed the incident and chose not to intervene.
Following a review, the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has now ruled that Brighton should have been awarded a penalty. In its findings, the panel stated that Martinelli was not focused on the ball and had impeded Wieffer’s ability to challenge for it.
The panel voted 4–1 in favour of awarding a penalty on the pitch and 3–2 that VAR should have intervened to correct the on-field decision.
The result has drawn further scrutiny to VAR consistency this season, with the incident marking the second time Arsenal have avoided conceding a penalty in controversial circumstances.
In a separate match against Everton, defender William Saliba was involved in a challenge on Thierno Barry that was not judged to be a foul, despite appeals. Salisbury was also on VAR duty during that fixture, which ended without a penalty being awarded to Everton.
That decision denied the side managed by David Moyes the opportunity to equalise from the spot.
The latest admission is likely to intensify debate around the effectiveness and reliability of VAR in the Premier League, particularly in high-stakes matches that could influence the title race.