The Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel has unanimously acknowledged that the penalty awarded against Arsenal in their match against Sunderland on September 12 was incorrect. Meanwhile, video assistant Stuart Attwell avoided official reprimand, with the commission deeming his lack of intervention permissible by a vote of 3-2.
In their report, experts highlighted that Sunderland player Ballard had initiated the foul himself, pulling Konsa to the ground. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had previously lambasted the officials' decision, describing it as unacceptable, even though goalkeeper David Raya managed to save the penalty.
Additionally, the refereeing panel thoroughly reviewed the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. They concluded that Erling Haaland's winning goal should have been disallowed due to offside, with Enzo Fernandez's involvement considered active in the incident. Refereeing chief Howard Webb admitted that VAR official Matt Donohue made an error due to tunnel vision.
Conversely, the direct red card issued to Phil Foden for his challenge on Bruno Fernandes was deemed fully justified. The panel also noted that the Manchester City captain deserved a yellow card for his actions.
