Premier League fans rage on social media as Cristian Romero is punished for a ‘harsh’ handball during Tottenham’s clash with Arsenal

• Premier League fans react to harsh penalty given in the north London derby 
• Tottenham defender Cristian Romero was punished for a handball in his own box 
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Premier League fans have had their say on the ‘harsh’ penalty awarded in the north London derby showdown between Arsenal and Tottenham. 

The Gunners were awarded a penalty just minutes into the second half – with Spurs defender Cristian Romero being punished for a handball inside his own box.

Replays showed that Ben White’s goal-bound shot hit the arm of the Argentine defender. Eventually, referee Robert Jones opted to award the penalty after consulting with VAR.

The spot-kick was converted by Bukayo Saka to give Mikel Arteta’s side a 2-1 lead at the Emirates.

However, fans have disagreed with Jones’ decision to award the penalty as the ball hits Romero’s hand from point-blank range. 

Cristian Romero was punished for a handball in his own box during Tottenham’s clash with Arsenal 

Premier League fans disagreed with the penalty – which was converted by Bukayo Saka

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One user took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to have their say on the handball, posting: ‘That’s a very harsh penalty. Seems like a process in search of a decision.

While another user posted: ‘VAR is driving me up the wall, how on earth is the Garnacho one not a pen then against Romero which was definitely worse!? Make it make sense.’ 

Sky Sports’ Gary Neville also gave his thoughts on commentary, saying: ‘Well as a defender, I would like to think that shouldn’t be given against me.

‘I’m pretty sure it hits his hand, but I have not got a clue, you guess at home, but I do not think there is anything unnatural about that… it is not for me!

‘When VAR look at it 25 times, it means they are not sure. His arm is low, so not for me, but it will be given. We are all so unsure.’

One fan was quick to defend Romero and branding the penalty decision as ‘ridiculous.’ 

‘Never been a penalty. Where on earth is the defender meant to put his hand. If blocked by his right hand ok pen but can’t be hitting his left – ridiculous,’ another user wrote.

While many fans believed that the on-field referee made the incorrect decision, one X user believed it was a clear penalty, but mentions that there needs to be some ‘clarity’ on the handball rule.

Premier League fans have had their say on the handball in the north London derby

While many disagreed with the awarding of the penalty, one fan believed that Robert Jones made the right decision

‘I think it’s a clear penalty. But the fact that it seems like 50/50 split on here shows why we urgently need some clarity on the handball rule,’ the post reads.

It wasn’t the only major incident the Tottenham defender was involved in during the game. 

The 25-year-old scored in his own net midway through the first half to give the Gunners the lead. 

Immediately after the penalty, Ange Postecoglou’s side responded in some style – scoring just 23 seconds after the restart.

Romero endured a tough time during the Premier League clash with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal

The Argentine defender also scored an own goal in the first half of the north London derby

James Maddison dispossessed Jorginho and played in Son Heung-min who equalised for Spurs.

Both sides couldn’t find a winner, with Postecoglou arguably being the happier manager. Spurs stay above Arsenal on goal difference, with both sides four points behind Man City

They are next in action on Wednesday when they travel to Brentford in the Carabao Cup.

Tottenham’s next game will take place on Saturday when they host Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the 5.30pm kick off.

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