Premier League release statement as Arsenal fans claim ‘clear penalty’ was ignored against Liverpool

Arsenal fans were left puzzled after believing they should have been awarded a first-half penalty against Liverpool. Arsenal took an early lead through Bukayo Saka, who outmaneuvered Liverpool’s left-back Andrew Robertson at nine minutes before sending a powerful shot into the top of Caoimhín Kelleher’s net. However, Liverpool quickly quieted the home crowd with an equalizer nine minutes later when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner was flicked on by Luis Diaz, allowing Virgil van Dijk to head the ball home. In another twist, on 43 minutes, Declan Rice delivered a precise free-kick into the box, which Mikel Merino converted, boosting the home fans’ confidence as they headed into halftime.

Despite an encouraging first 45 minutes, Arsenal fans voiced their belief that their team should have been awarded a penalty in the first half.

Around the 30-minute mark, Gabriel Martinelli entered the Liverpool box, where Alexander-Arnold attempted a challenge before Ibrahima Konaté appeared to trip the Brazilian with the follow-through. However, referee Anthony Taylor dismissed the appeals. Fans shared their views on social media.

One fan commented, “19 of 20 teams get a penalty except Arsenal.”

Another added, “The game is gone.”

A third remarked, “Genuinely never seen a more blatant penalty in my life; Konate literally goes through Martinelli with no contact on the ball, and Trent is there too. What on earth.”

A fourth agreed, “Blatant penalty, but it’s Arsenal so play on.”

Even Manchester United fans weighed in after they conceded a late penalty in their 2-1 loss to West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.

A Man Utd supporter said, “That’s a penalty for Arsenal, but they won’t give it because it’s against Liverpool and not Manchester United. Unlucky Arsenal.”

Excitement at the Emirates soon turned to concern as centre-back Gabriel was withdrawn due to an apparent injury, bringing on Jakub Kiwior as a makeshift central defender alongside Ben White, who was already covering for the suspended William Saliba. The severity of Gabriel’s injury remains unknown, and Mikel Arteta will likely address it after the match.

In response to the penalty claims, the Premier League issued a statement via its Match Centre X account, saying, “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge by Konate on Martinelli was checked and confirmed by VAR—deeming that Konate won the ball.”

In Arsenal’s recent clash with Liverpool, a controversial moment unfolded around the 30-minute mark that left Arsenal fans frustrated. Gabriel Martinelli was advancing into Liverpool’s box when he faced a challenge from Trent Alexander-Arnold and then Ibrahima Konaté, who seemed to trip the Brazilian without making clear contact with the ball. Referee Anthony Taylor dismissed the penalty appeals, a decision later upheld by VAR, which ruled that Konaté had won the ball. This decision prompted strong reactions from Arsenal supporters on social media, who argued the foul seemed obvious and expressed frustration over perceived officiating inconsistencies.

Earlier in the match, Arsenal took the lead with Bukayo Saka’s stunning goal in the 9th minute, only for Liverpool to level the score soon after through Virgil van Dijk’s header. Arsenal regained the advantage just before halftime when Mikel Merino scored off a well-placed Declan Rice free-kick, setting up an intense second half.

Adding to Arsenal’s concerns, Gabriel was forced to exit due to injury, leaving Ben White and Jakub Kiwior to cover defensive duties. The severity of Gabriel’s injury remains unclear, with Mikel Arteta expected to provide an update.