Mikel Arteta discusses refereeing meeting following Sunderland penalty row

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the club held discussions with refereeing officials regarding a controversial penalty awarded during a recent match against Sunderland. The incident involved a tussle between defender Ezri Konsa and Dan Ballard, which resulted in a spot kick for Sunderland. Arteta described the decision as a “judo roll” and expressed frustration, stating that the game felt “unprotected.”

Arteta clarified that the purpose of the meeting with Pro Ref was not to demand an apology, but to discuss whether the decision should have been different and to advocate for officiating improvements. Despite the penalty, Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory after goalkeeper David Raya saved the initial spot kick.

Former referee Mark Halsey echoed Arteta’s concerns, suggesting that Ballard committed the initial offense by pulling Konsa’s arm, which should have prompted VAR intervention.