Why Arsenal were not awarded a penalty in Hull controversy as fans left bemused

The Gunners, who were on top for much of the first half at the Emirates Stadium, thought they’d have a chance from 12 yards to find that elusive opening goal, but they saw a spot kick claim pass them by in north London.

Kai Havertz went down in the box under challenge from visiting defender Nobel Mendy, who was adjudged to have pulled the German’s shirt as the cross came in from Christos Tzolis off the left flank.

It sparked complaints from the Gunners players, with referee Farai Hallam advised by the video assistant referee to pause the game and consult the pitchside monitor to take a closer look at the incident.

Complaints: Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard

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The VAR told Hallam that Havertz was fouled while in an offside position, despite acknowledging that the Arsenal forward was being fouled by Mendy, who clearly had a hold of the striker’s jersey.

Upon announcing the decision to the Emirates Stadium capacity, the referee spoke of the foul by the Hull centre-back first, which caused the home faithful to cheer in delight at the penalty they thought they were being awarded.

However, their glee turned to disappointment in the blink of an eye when Hallam explained that Hull were in fact being awarded a free kick as a result of Havertz being offside.

It sparked outrage amongst the Arsenal players and on the home bench, with Mikel Arteta having stern words with the fourth official on the touchline as the minutes ticked down towards the interval, where both sides went in goalless after a tense opening 45 minutes.