'Absolute bunch of c*nts' - Arsenal fans outraged at referee Anthony Taylor and 'congratulate' Liverpool after decision to award Brighton ‘never before seen’ penalty for clash of heads as Gunners held to draw

The controversial moment occurred when William Saliba attempted to challenge Joao Pedro for an aerial ball inside Brighton’s box. Misjudging his timing, Saliba made contact with Pedro’s head, causing the forward to fall in the crowded penalty area. Taylor wasted no time in pointing to the spot, much to the disbelief of Arsenal players and fans.

Paul Tierney and Dan Cook, overseeing VAR at Stockley Park, reviewed the decision and swiftly upheld Taylor’s call. Their conclusion only added to the confusion and frustration, as incidents of such nature are rarely penalised.

The Premier League Match Centre attempted to clarify the penalty decision through social media, saying: "The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on Joao Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty."

While the explanation provided some insight, it did little to appease the Arsenal faithful, who remain unconvinced about the legitimacy of the decision.

@ArsenalFamm wrote on X: "THIS LEAGUE IS A SHAMBLES #PremierLeague you cannot give that a penalty."

@AFC_T91 wrote: "That's a mad penalty but it is what it is, gotta get after this game now. Glad Odegaard is coming on, hopefully, he's got 30 minutes in him."

@karimthedream argued: "How is that a penalty man … horrible decision."

@Nkabuije wrote: "You won't see this type of Penalty given to any club this season. Anthony Taylor has sold this match."

@VeryMessi_ tweeted: "@FA_PGMOL that penalty is corruption at its finest. You absolute bunch of c*nts. Howard Webb, you should be f*cking ashamed."

@CBMB__ wrote: "They gave a penalty for that, congrats Liverpool we have no chance here."

"I’ve probably seen tens of thousands of penalties given in my lifetime. I’ve never seen one for that. And we’ll likely never see another again. Joke," @GoonerTaIk said, while @afc_richard added: "File that penalty decision as another one under the 'never been seen before and will never be seen again'."

Sharing the spoils at the Amex Stadium was a hammer blow to Arsenal's title aspirations as they find themselves five points behind leaders Liverpool, having played two more matches. They face a demanding schedule in the coming weeks as they compete on multiple fronts. Their next challenge comes on Tuesday night in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United. Following that, Arsenal will host Manchester United in the FA Cup third round, a high-stakes clash that promises more drama. Later this month, the Champions League returns, with Arsenal set to take on Dinamo Zagreb and Girona in matchday seven and eight fixtures.