Arsenal to contact Pro Ref over controversial Konsa penalty in Sunderland win

Arsenal will contact refereeing body Pro Ref for an explanation after Ezri Konsa conceded a penalty for excessive holding on Dan Ballard during Saturday’s win over Sunderland. Referee John Brooks awarded the spot-kick, a decision confirmed by VAR, but Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said he watched the incident 20 times and could not understand the call.

According to BBC Sport, the Premier League champions want clarity on how Brooks reached his decision, fearing major refereeing errors could affect the title race. Match of the Day pundits Ashley Williams and Thomas Frank both backed Arsenal, insisting the penalty call was wrong and a free-kick should have been given instead.