Arteta Critiques VAR After Controversial Sunderland Penalty

On September 12, 2026, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his dissatisfaction with the VAR decision that led to a penalty awarded to Sunderland during Arsenal's 2-0 victory in the English Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. Referee John Brooks ruled that Ezri Konsa fouled Dan Ballard during a corner, a decision Arteta deemed "unacceptable at this level." He contended that Ballard had actually pulled Konsa down, describing the incident as a "judo roll." Despite the penalty being awarded when the match was still goalless, David Raya saved Enzo Le Fee's attempt, preserving Arsenal's momentum.

Shortly after, Bruno Guimaraes scored, followed by Bukayo Saka converting a stoppage-time penalty. Arteta, who was booked for leaving his technical area, questioned the effectiveness of VAR, stating that the game was "unprotected" and that such decisions should not occur at this level.

He watched the incident multiple times and remained confused about the rationale behind the penalty.