The Premier League have issued a verdict on Everton’s controversial penalty against Arsenal.
Arsenal led 1-0 at half-time of their Premier League trip to Goodison Park on Saturday. But Mikel Arteta’s team were pegged back just minutes into the second half.
Iliman Ndiaye equalised from the penalty spot after Myles Lewis-Skelly was adjudged to have fouled Jack Harrison. Ndiaye’s penalty proved to be the only goal of the second half as the match ended 1-1.
The decision sparked controversy with the initial contact starting outside the box and Lewis-Skelly letting go of Harrison before he threw himself to the floor.
VAR took a look at the incident but did not recommend an on-field review to referee Darren England.
Following the decision, the Premier League Match Centre issued a verdict on X, which read: “The referee’s call of penalty for the challenge by Lewis-Skelly on Harrison was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be sufficient for a penalty and inside the area.”
Lucy Ward, the former Leeds women’s striker commentating on TNT Sports, agreed with the decision. She said: “Myles Lewis-Skelly misjudges the bounce and was always second best to get to it. Ndiaye had to wait a long time but he was coolness personified and sends Raya the wrong way.”
Arsenal went into the game 12 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, knowing they could little afford to drop any further points if they hold any hope of catching Arne Slot’s Reds.
The draw sees Everton hand their Merseyside rivals another boost before they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. Slot’s men need only 11 points from their remaining eight games to guarantee the title.
Fans reacted to the result on X, with one user saying: “It’s Over, Congratulations Liverpool for the Title..!” A second quipped: “Everton guaranteeing Liverpool the title in the space of 3 days.” While a third said: “You can already give the title to Liverpool.”.