- Both sets of supporters clashed online as Joao Pedro rescued a 1-1 draw
- Pedro was awarded a penalty after being headbutted by William Saliba
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Arsenal and Brighton fans clashed over whether Joao Pedro should have been awarded a penalty that rescued a 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Saturday evening.
The Gunners saw their Premier League title hopes again dented as the Seagulls came from behind to take a point that leaves Arsenal five points adrift of leaders Liverpool with the Reds set to play Man United on Sunday.
A moment of controversy in the second-half of Arsenal’s clash at the Amex occurred when a strong piece of build-up play resulted in Pedro attempting to get his head to a bouncing ball.
The Brighton forward was running through Arsenal’s box and tried to get a head to the ball when he was floored by Gunners centre-back William Saliba.
Saliba appeared to try and make an initial genuine attempt to play the ball but then clattered into the side of Pedro’s head as the Brighton star immediately hit the ground writhing in agony.
Referee Anthony Taylor took his time before deeming the incident as a foul and pointed to the spot with VAR later confirming his on-field decision.
William Saliba (left) was deemed to have fouled Joao Pedro(right) as he accidentally headbutted the Brighton star
Pedro was left writhing in agony on the floor after being floored by Saliba’s headbutt
Pedro scored from the spot to rescue a 1-1 draw for Brighton that dents Arsenal’s title hopes
Saliba escaped a red card for his headbutt but was later left furious as Pedro scored from the spot that ultimately sealed a draw for Fabian Hurzelers side.
Opinions were furiously split between both fan bases online in the immediate aftermath with Brighton fans largely claiming Saliba should have been sent off, while Arsenal supporters fumed they had been cheated.
Venting their anger on X, one Brighton supporter said: ‘Just got to the penalty incident. That’s a clear penalty, why is there outrage?
‘In fact, William Saliba is very lucky to not get a red card. Arsenal fans should remember Nicolas Pepe got a red card for a much minor headbutt. Joao Pedro could have got a serious head injury.’
Another Seagulls fan similarly added: ‘How was that not a red card for William Saliba? Arsenal are extremely lucky to have 11 players on the pitch! It was a calm and cool penalty from Joao Pedro!’.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s anger was fuelled by fans as one aggrieved supporter claimed Mikel Arteta’s side had been robbed of victory and posting on X said: ‘Another crucial game decided by incompetent officiating.
‘Saliba very clearly heads the ball before making contact with Pedro, yet a penalty is awarded anyway.
‘They go out of their way to find an opportunity to rob us every single week.
Saliba missed his attempted header at the ball and connected with the side of Pedro’s head
Another Arsenal fan echoed similar anger, stating: ‘Never a penalty. You’ll not see that decision given at all for the rest of the season.’
The decision was later explained by the PGMOL who explained: ‘The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.’
Jamie Redknapp supported the call and in his post-match analysis told Sky Sports: ‘It’s chaotic and it’s not something we associate with them (Saliba and Gabriel): Is it a penalty? Absolutely.’
