Arsenal maintained their narrow lead against Brighton after VAR upheld an on-field decision to deny the Seagulls a penalty following a controversial clash between Gabriel Martinelli and Mats Wieffer.
Brighton were left frustrated after being denied a penalty during their Premier League encounter with Arsenal.
Gabriel Martinelli collided with Mats Wieffer in the box, sparking intense protests from the hosts. However, the officiating team and VAR remained unmoved, allowing play to continue.
The incident added tension to a cagey affair where Bukayo Saka’s early goal remained the difference between the two sides.
The Premier League Match Centre clarified the decision on social media, noting that the contact did not warrant a spot-kick.
The official statement read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Brighton & Hove Albion for the challenge by Martinelli on Wieffer was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed there was no clear and obvious error.”
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