Arsenal set for talks after refereeing mistake in Sunderland win

Arsenal are considering speaking with Pro Referee after a controversial penalty decision in their recent win against Sunderland, according to BBC Sport. The champions are seeking clarification on why Ezri Konsa was awarded a penalty for excessive holding during a grapple with Dan Ballard. The match officials' decision, backed by VAR, appeared to defy logic to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who described it as "not acceptable at this level."

Arteta watched the incident 20 times but could not find justification for the penalty. He expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the decision changed the course of the season and could affect their championship chances. Arsenal fans echoed Arteta's frustration, with Ashley Williams noting that the decision resembled a "perfect hip toss in judo."

The Premier League's official statement confirmed that the referee's call of a penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR. Arsenal's dissatisfaction stems from the perception that the decision, which looked wrong in real time and on replay, stood despite being clearly incorrect.