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Many Arsenal fans are pointing out the same thing about William Saliba’s ‘headbutt’ on Joao Pedro during Arsenal v Brighton
Arsenal drew with Brighton at The Amex as they were stopped in their tracks by a controversial Joao Pedro in the second-half.
Brazilian forward Pedro got up off the floor to convert yet another penalty after he’d gone down under a heavy clash of heads challenge from William Saliba.
With not many penalties given for such incidents over the years, Saliba and Arsenal felt pretty aggrieved.
With VAR deeming Saliba made sufficient contact to warrant the decision, Anthony Taylor’s call stood and Pedro duly did the business.
However, as is always the case with these sorts of decision, fans on social media have been quick to have their say on the matter.
And as expected, plenty of Arsenal fans are feeling pretty hard done to. Especially, as it seems, certain replays appear to show Saliba gets a touch on the ball.
Arsenal fans think William Saliba got the ball before headbutting Joao Pedro
Since the inception of VAR, the Premier League has been riddled with controversial decisions and the constant replays and slowed down footage often paints different pictures for fans to debate.
Over on social media platform X, there’s been a replay and screenshot doing the rounds of Saliba appearing to make contact with the ball before taking Joao Pedro out.
And as expected, there’s a number of Arsenal fans who are up in arms over the decision standing.
Indeed, even Sky Sports’ Doug Critchley joined in, suggesting the penalty was soft.
Another vocal Arsenal fan in the X community, , also slammed Taylor and the VAR.
“Saliba touches the ball before he connects with Pedro. VAR has to go in England. They can’t use it. All this money and effort all week for what? Some incapable clowns from Manchester to decide the outcome before a ball is kicked. Sick of it. Sack them now. Antony Taylor was desperate to get one over on Arteta as soon as he told him to sit down and the bench laughed at him.”
While also called the decision a ‘joke’ pointing out the touch Saliba got.
“Saliba not only touch the ball but you will never see this as a foul/pen ever again. JOKE”
Continuing the theme of the decision being so rare in the game, also called it ‘pathetic’.
“You will not seen another penalty given for that in the next ten years. That’s pathetic.”
While suggested the Gunners were done over by a number of incorrect decisions.
“Rice red for kicking the ball away – not seen in the other 196 PL games so far. Trossard red for kicking the ball away – not seen in the other 196 PL games so far. Saliba’s head touches the ball first – penalty for clash of heads. 3 bogus incidents. 6 points. Why bother?”
Finally, couldn’t resist another dig at the referee, insisting that Taylor is the worst around.
“Matt O’Riley rugby tackles Gabriel in the first half & Anthony Taylor doesn’t even notice it. Saliba loses a header in the second half & Taylor points to the spot. Without a doubt, the worst referee in the country.”
Arsenal fans can have no complaints on this one
While the slow-motion footage does show Saliba getting the slightest touch on the ball, this is still a penalty by the letter of the law.
Anthony Taylor actually dealt with the incident well and he was under immense pressure. Had he not seen it at all, then Brighton would have been fuming as well, putting the VAR under more pressure to make a decision.
Arsenal have had some bad calls over the years but this one was right. If it was at the other end, then Mikel Arteta would 100% want the penalty.