Arsenal demand meeting with Pro Ref over penalty decision at Sunderland

Arsenal are seeking an explanation from Pro Ref over the penalty awarded to Sunderland on Saturday that Mikel Arteta described as “unacceptable at this level”.

It is understood the Premier League champions contacted Pro Ref on Monday to request a meeting after Ezri Konsa was penalised after an incident involving Dan Ballard at the Stadium of Light. David Raya made a brilliant save to deny Enzo Le Fée’s spot-kick before Arsenal went on to win 1-0 thanks to a goal from Bruno Guimarães.

Arteta could not hide his anger afterwards, and other Arsenal officials are said to have been left annoyed by the penalty decision. During the meeting with Pro Ref, they are expected to question why the video assistant referee did not intervene when the referee, John Brooks, pointed to the spot.

Arsenal are also likely to bring up the fact that the Premier League’s key match incidents panel unanimously ruled that the club should have been awarded a penalty in their win at Aston Villa last month when Guimarães was fouled by Ian Maatsen.

The KMI panel ruled last season that Gabriel Magalhães should have been shown a red card for violent conduct against Manchester City in April that would have ruled the Brazil defender out for three crucial matches in the title run-in.

Arteta said the decision against Sunderland “could have cost us the win and our momentum” after a 100% start, and Arsenal’s fear is understood to be that refereeing mistakes and inconsistencies could end up deciding the title race.

They, like other Premier League clubs, are in regular dialogue with Pro Ref and are expected to ask for clarification on whether similar incidents to the one involving Konsa and Ballard from a corner will result in more penalties being given.