Arsenal fans were bemoaning the officiating in their game against Sheffield United amid comments from Mikel Arteta about the penalty call from the fixture.
With the Gunners leading 1-0, Nicolas Pepe burst into the penalty box as he attempted to dribble past two players, however, was clipped by Jack O’Connell with Mike Dean and VAR waving away any calls for a spot-kick (via BBC). Following the game, the Spaniard came out and claimed the decision was ‘very clear’ as he also referred to some questionable decisions in the home game against Chelsea.
The game against the Blades isn’t the first time the north London outfit have been ‘robbed’ this season as ESPN are claiming the side had lost out on nine points as a result of refereeing decisions prior to the game against Chris Wilder’s side. Fans were left hitting out at the officiating as they took to Twitter to react to the former Manchester City assistant coach’s comments. Here is a selection of tweets from the Emirates Stadium faithful:
We would have been 10 points above
— Mr No One (@PrabhatBITW) January 20, 2020
We honestly could be well in the top 4 race. But premier league won’t allow it
— jamie (@jamieTS_) January 20, 2020
The English refs the VAR criminals the @PremierLeague or FA are all against us.
— Jazsen Jack Anthony (@AnthonyJayJay1) January 20, 2020
every time i see this pic i just shake my head, it doesn’t get more blatant than this and they took it to var and still didn’t give a pen https://t.co/yFhJSIVV7z
— emmanuel (@emmanueliiii) January 20, 2020
It’s bad enough that the foul on Pepe went past the centre ref and nearest linesman let alone VAR. #AFC
— ARTeta at the Arsenal (@westsydneyAFC) January 19, 2020
Apparently penalty is not given to Arsenal because 51 years old eagle eye Mike Dean overrule a 21st century technology. https://t.co/cPuArjZlDm
— Nazrin (@nazrinsaad) January 20, 2020
Arsenal fans, what do you make of the decision to not award Pepe a penalty? Let us know your thoughts!
