Arsenal want explanation over penalty awarded to Sunderland

Arsenal will seek an explanation from Pro Ref for the penalty awarded against them in their Premier League win at Sunderland.

Manager Mikel Arteta described referee John Brooks’ decision to penalize Ezri Konsa for an adjudged foul on Dan Ballard, with VAR not intervening, as “unacceptable”.

The Press Association understands that the Premier League champions will contact refereeing body Pro Ref for clarity on the second-half flashpoint.

The spot-kick was taken by Enzo Le Fee and brilliantly saved by David Raya, before Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka scored in a 2-0 win to retain Arsenal’s 100 per cent start to the season.

However, Arteta was furious with the decision which he said could have cost his side a victory at the Stadium of Light.

“It is not acceptable,” he said. “I watched it 20 times and I cannot find a way to understand how they’d think to give a penalty in that situation or the way the VAR has to intervene.

“At this level with all the work we put in, this cannot happen.”

Arsenal will take on Ipswich at Portman Road in the League Cup on Wednesday before they head to Brighton in the league this weekend as they bid to make it five wins from five.