'Thugs and divers!' - Arsenal fans lash out at 'absolutely mad' Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler over controversial Joao Pedro penalty defence

In Saturday's 1-1 draw, the Seagulls were handed a rather soft penalty by referee Anthony Taylor after William Saliba clashed heads with Joao Pedro in the 18-yard box. The Brazilian scored the spot kick to level the game and cost Arsenal a precious two points in the title race - a familiar tale this season after a controversial Declan Rice red card preceded a Pedro equaliser in the reverse fixture.

Hurzeler told reporters: "It was a clear penalty. It is head-to-head but if it is another piece of the body, everybody would say it was a penalty. Joao Pedro places the ball with his head and Saliba comes too late, therefore it was a clear one."

While Mikel Arteta criticised the decision saying a decision like that is one he has "never seen before in my life", Hurzeler's comments riled up Arsenal fans.

Fans could not believe they had been on the harsh side of two controversial decisions and did not enjoy Hurzeler's defence of the officials. X user Jase Pinhead tweeted: "He also saw Veltman boot Rice and thought he should be sent off whilst justifying Pedro not getting booked for kicking the ball away, Brighton are becoming one of those unlikeable sides...thugs and divers."

@Mmouckhtar added: "He's absolutely mad. He's always ready to defend stupid decisions. He said the same thing against Rice's red card."

Paul Desmond also pointed to the Rice incident, saying: "He also tried to convince us Rice shloud have been sent off as well. He talks a load of nonsense."

On Rice as well, @Oscar_Tees posted: "Just like he thought the red was a red. I have no respect for your biased lying manager."

@vetto_e highlighted the Brighton boss had defended Pedro's escape from punishment for a wild elbow against Brentford. They said: "This is the same guy who justified and laughed at Pedro’s attempted elbow on a Brentford player. Tells you a lot about his character…"

Finally, one Arsenal fan kept it simple. Max Morley tweeted: "I genuinely hate Hurzeler."

If Arsenal fans were already incensed with the decision to award the Seagulls a penalty, Hurzeler's defence of Taylor will only compound that fury. It appeared a harsh penalty against Saliba who made contact with the ball before clashing heads with Pedro in the box and puts another significant blow in the Gunners' title challenge. As fans can be quick to point out, Arsenal have been on the wrong side of a number of close-call decisions this season and it looks like another refereeing decision has had disastrous effects for the Gunners.

Arsenal fans find themselves in an unusual position of being desperate for a Manchester United result as the Red Devils travel to Anfield to take on leaders Liverpool. The Reds can go eight points clear at the top of the table and snuff out yet more of the Gunners' hope of winning a first Premier League trophy in 20 years. Arsenal next play on Tuesday against Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.