Premier League officials have clarified why Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli was not awarded a penalty after a collision with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
During the first half of Arsenal’s crucial match against Liverpool, VAR reviewed Konate’s tackle on Martinelli but decided it did not merit a penalty.
The incident occurred after Martinelli was sandwiched between Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold while attempting to control the ball near the six-yard box.
Though Konate seemed to bring Martinelli down, officials at Stockley Park, Michael Salisbury and Darren Cann, confirmed the referee’s decision to play on, deeming Konate to have made contact with the ball.
After the tackle, Kai Havertz missed a shot over the bar, sparking frustration among Arsenal players who believed a penalty should have been awarded.
Martinelli voiced his disappointment to referee Anthony Taylor, while Leandro Trossard and Havertz also protested the decision.
The Premier League Match Centre later explained on X (formerly Twitter) that the referee’s decision of no penalty was upheld as Konate was judged to have won the ball.
Arsenal’s frustration was short-lived as Mikel Merino headed in Declan Rice’s free-kick cross to put the Gunners ahead before halftime. This came after Virgil van Dijk had leveled the score following Bukayo Saka’s early goal.
