Premier League release statement on Brighton’s penalty against Arsenal after VAR check on William Saliba challenge

THE PREMIER LEAGUE have released a statement on the decision to award Brighton a penalty after William Saliba headbutted Joao Pedro.

Saliba made contact on the Brighton striker using his head but avoided a red card.

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Referee Anthony Taylor did deem the challenge to be a foul however so awarded the Seagulls a penalty, which Pedro converted.

VAR reviewed the incident and confirmed the ref's decision to award a spot kick.

The Premier League match centre have since clarified the incident, confirming the decision made by the ref and VAR.

It wrote on X: "The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on João Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty."

Fans were split on the incident with one Arsenal fan arguing it should have not been a penalty.

They wrote: "In what world is this a penalty against Saliba????"

A fan hit back, saying: "100% pen. If you go to kick the ball and catch the player late it's a foul, no different with head! It's a late foul!"

Another added: "Clear penalty!"

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And a third wrote: "It’s a clear penalty. You can see clearly the tackle stopped Pedro from advancing forward."