Why VAR didn't change Brighton's penalty decision v Arsenal despite new footage emerging

Arsenal and Brighton played out an entertaining encounter at The Amex but it was a game that was once again dominated by a decision from the officials.

With Arsenal leader, Brighton striker Joao Pedro went down under what looked like an innocuous clash of heads with William Saliba.

However, referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the penalty spot to send the Arsenal players and fans into meltdown once again.

Pedro duly got off the floor to convert the penalty as he continued his perfect record from 12 yards.

In the end, it was a big moment in the title race and once again gives Liverpool the added impetus tomorrow to beat Man United and further extend their lead.

And while Arsenal fans were calling for VAR to overturn the decision, their explanation was rock solid behind Taylor’s initial call.

Why VAR didn’t overturn Brighton’s penalty v Arsenal

In pretty simple terms, the VAR on the game simply didn’t see enough evidence to rule against Taylor and his original call.

It was deemed that Saliba’s headbutt was enough to send Joao Pedro to the floor and ultimately, they cannot overturn a call if there’s not sufficient evidence.

However, that explanation will not go down well with the Arsenal fans, who will have seen on social media and more replays that there’s an argument for Saliba actually getting the ball first.

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Certain replays seem to suggest Saliba got a slight touch on the ball. However, he does smash into Pedro and anywhere else on the field, it’s likely a foul.

Furthermore, Arsenal can count themselves lucky that Saliba didn’t see red. If it was seen as a deliberate headbutt, then Saliba could have been easily seen red.

Once again, then, Arsenal are left in the middle of a refereeing controversy and after last season’s run-ins with the PGMOL, Mikel Arteta will likely be furious.