Mikel Arteta reacts to Sunderland penalty controversy after Arsenal win
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 9:05 AM
Last updated Sep 19, 2026
Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration after Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Sunderland on September 17, where a controversial penalty was awarded to Sunderland with the score still level. The spot-kick, awarded for Ezri Konsa's challenge on Dan Ballard, was saved by David Raya, preserving the Gunners' lead from goals by Bruno Guimarães and Bukayo Saka. Arteta labeled the penalty decision 'unacceptable' and suggested it could impact the season's outcome. Pro Ref has since contacted Arsenal regarding the incident, though Arteta declined to share further details, emphasizing the need to improve officiating standards in football.
- •Arsenal won 2-0 against Sunderland on September 17.
- •David Raya saved a penalty from Enzo Le Fée.
- •Arteta criticized the penalty decision as 'unacceptable'.
- •Pro Ref reached out to Arsenal following the incident.
- •The penalty was awarded after a challenge by Ezri Konsa.
- 9:05 AMYahoo Sports — Arteta confirms Arsenal Pro Ref meeting
- 3:26 PMYahoo Sports — Mikel Arteta confirms Pro Ref contacted Arsenal after Sunderland penalty controversy
"Mikel Arteta said Arsenal used the meeting to discuss the decision and wider refereeing issues after Dan Ballard was awarded a penalty against Ezri Konsa.Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty ImagesMikel Arte...
"Mikel Arteta was left fuming after Sunderland were controversially awarded a penalty in Arsenal's 2-0 win, with the Gunners boss calling the referee's decision 'unacceptable'
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 19, 2026, 9:05 AMArteta confirms Arsenal Pro Ref meeting
Mikel Arteta said Arsenal used the meeting to discuss the decision and wider refereeing issues after Dan Ballard was awarded a penalty against Ezri Konsa.Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty ImagesMikel Arte...
- Yahoo SportsSep 18, 2026, 3:26 PMMikel Arteta confirms Pro Ref contacted Arsenal after Sunderland penalty controversy
Mikel Arteta was left fuming after Sunderland were controversially awarded a penalty in Arsenal's 2-0 win, with the Gunners boss calling the referee's decision 'unacceptable'
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