Arsenal and Brighton fans clash over Joao Pedro’s controversial penalty as Gunners supporters fume they were ‘ROBBED’ in 1-1 draw – while Seagulls claim William Saliba could have caused a ‘serious head injury’
- Both groups of supporters clashed online as Joao Pedro rescued a 1-1 draw
- Pedro was awarded a penalty after a headbutt from William Saliba
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Arsenal and Brighton fans clashed over whether Joao Pedro should have been awarded a penalty that saved a 1-1 draw against Mikel Arteta’s side on Saturday evening.
The Gunners saw their Premier League title hopes hit again as the Seagulls came from behind to grab a point, leaving Arsenal five points behind leaders Liverpool as the Reds play Man United on Sunday.
A moment of controversy in the second half of Arsenal’s game at the Amex occurred when a strong piece of build-up play led to Pedro attempting to get his head on a bouncing ball.
The Brighton forward was running through the Arsenal penalty area trying to get his head to the ball when he was knocked down by Gunners centre-back William Saliba.
Saliba appeared to make his first real attempt to play the ball, but then clattered into the side of Pedro’s head as the Brighton star immediately hit the ground writhing in pain.
Referee Anthony Taylor took his time before ruling the incident as a foul and pointed to the spot, with VAR later confirming his decision on the pitch.
William Saliba (left) was deemed to have fouled Joao Pedro (right) when he accidentally headbutted the Brighton star
Pedro was left writhing in pain on the ground after being knocked down by Saliba’s headbutt
Pedro scored from the spot to save a 1-1 draw for Brighton that undermines Arsenal’s title hopes
Saliba escaped a red card for his headbutt but was later infuriated when Pedro scored from the spot that ultimately sealed a draw for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
Opinion was furiously divided online between both fanbases in the immediate aftermath, with Brighton fans largely arguing that Saliba should have been sent off, while Arsenal supporters were furious that they had been duped.
A Brighton supporter expressed his anger at X, saying: ‘I’ve just arrived at the penalty incident. That is a clear punishment, why is there outrage?
‘Actually, William Saliba is lucky that he doesn’t get a red card. Arsenal fans should remember that Nicolas Pepe was red carded for a much minor headbutt. Joao Pedro could have suffered serious head injuries.”
Another Seagulls fan added: ‘Why wasn’t that a red card for William Saliba? Arsenal are very lucky to have eleven players on the pitch! It was a calm and cool penalty from Joao Pedro!’.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s anger was fueled by fans when an aggrieved supporter claimed Mikel Arteta’s side had been robbed of victory, commenting on X: ‘Another crucial match decided by incompetent referees.
‘Saliba heads the ball very clearly before making contact with Pedro, but a penalty is still awarded.
“They do their utmost to find an opportunity to rob us every week.
Saliba missed his header attempt on the ball and made contact with the side of Pedro’s head
Another Arsenal fan expressed the same anger, saying: ‘Never a penalty. You won’t see that decision at all for the rest of the season.”
The decision was later explained by the PGMOL, which explained: ‘The referee’s penalty for a foul by Saliba was checked and confirmed by the VAR, who ruled that there was sufficient contact for a penalty.’
Jamie Redknapp backed the call, telling Sky Sports in his post-match analysis: ‘It’s chaotic and it’s not something we associate with them (Saliba and Gabriel): is it a penalty? Absolute.’
