​”Should have been a penalty”: Officiating blunder exposed in Arsenal’s win over Hull

Arsenal were denied a legitimate penalty following a refereeing error during their 1–0 win against Hull City, according to Sports Illustrated.​

During the match at the Emirates, Hull defender Nobel Mendy pulled Kai Havertz’s shirt inside the penalty area. Referee Farai Hallam reviewed the monitor and announced that while a holding offense occurred, Havertz was offside, awarding Hull a free kick instead.

​However, under Law 11 of the FA Handbook, a foul committed before an offside player plays or attempts to play the ball must be penalized first, meaning a penalty should have been awarded.

Former World Cup final assistant referee Darren Cann confirmed to BBC’s Match of the Day that a spot-kick should have been given.​

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacted with surprise rather than anger. “I was surprised because when they sent the referee to the monitor, I was being told it was a clear penalty for a pull,” Arteta said. “I’m not sure what the interpretation is.”