Arsenal fans fume as VAR gives Chelsea penalty with even Gary Neville ‘not sure’
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Chelsea were awarded a controversial penalty against Arsenal following a delayed VAR intervention.
Following a bright to start to the game from the home side, a cross from the right was headed towards go by Cole Palmer, with the ball hitting the arm of diving defender William Saliba. Amid loud cries for a penalty from home players and fans, the game continued for a few seconds, with the Gunners taking the ball up the other end of the pitch.
Referee Chris Kavanagh eventually stopped the game after being advised to go and look at the pitchside monitor by VAR. And he promptly decided to give the penalty, which was slotted home by former Manchester City forward Palmer. However, the decision has triggered plenty of debate – and outcry from Arsenal fans – with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville among those left scratching their head over the decision.
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Before the spot-kick was finally given, Neville said on commentary: "There is no doubt it hits his arm, everyone in the ground can see that and I think Saliba could be in a little bit of trouble here… is he using the arm for leverage? I am sure it will be given as a penalty.
"None of us are sure anymore, are we, but it is consistent with what we saw in the Merseyside derby earlier." The former Manchester United defender then conceded to be "not sure" if the penalty should have been awarded.
Do you think it should have been a penalty? Have your say in the comments section below
One neutral fan said: “Imagine having to lunge for the ball without using your arms for either momentum or balance. I get that if it hits an outstretched arm it looks bad, but the refs need to have some understanding of how your body moves, you can't perform every action with your arms by your side.”
Meanwhile, an Arsenal fan posted: "Arsenal robbed sadly, he didn't intend to touch it." Another fumed: "He's in motion, how is he suppose to hide his hand?"
A third Gunners follower added: "How could Saliba see it or even react at that pace and that close up. VAR FAIL." A fourth fumed: "The ball is headed onto his arm. I get that the law will give it now, but handball should be about intent. There’s no intent to handle that at all."
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