Sunderland given a penalty when Ballard pulled Konsa
Saturday, 12 September 2026 · 2026-27 · 54'
What happened
At 0-0 after a Sunderland corner, John Brooks gave a penalty for Ezri Konsa's challenge on Dan Ballard. Replays showed Ballard pulling Konsa's shirt with his left arm, which spun the Arsenal defender into him. Stuart Attwell confirmed the penalty on VAR. If anything, it should have been a free-kick to Arsenal. Arsenal won 2-0 anyway.
- On the pitch
- Penalty to Sunderland
- VAR
- VAR confirmed
- Benefited
- SUN Sunderland
- Harmed
- ARS Arsenal
Fan verdict
Was the final decision right?
One tap, then pick your club. We show how Sunderland fans, Arsenal fans and everyone else answered.
Fallout
- Arsenal said they would ask Pro Ref for an explanation. The KMI panel has not yet ruled.
Reaction
Both said it should have been a free-kick to Arsenal, not a penalty.
Ashley Williams & Thomas Frank · Match of the Day pundits