Ballard ‘judo roll’, Saka penalty, Manchester derby chaos – Arsenal referee review

Arsenal overcame what Mikel Arteta described as an ‘unacceptable’ decision in their win over Sunderland. Ezri Konsa was punished by John Brooks after tussling with Dan Ballard in the Gunners’ box.

David Raya thankfully saved the subsequent penalty before Arsenal went up the other end and scored through Bruno Guimaraes. However, there was further late drama when Arsenal themselves were awarded a penalty too

Then came the Manchester derby, with Man City claiming victory in the most controversial circumstances, which has massive ramifications on the current state of the title race as Enzo Maresca’s side climbed level with Arsenal. football.london takes a look at each incident to decipher what happened and whether a mistake was made.

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Konsa and Ballard were both involved in a grapple at the front post from a Sunderland corner. As the ball came in, both went to ground, Konsa on top of Ballard and Brooks pointed to the spot.

FL review – Arteta, after the game, was scathing of this decision and described it as a ‘judo roll’, which, when you replay it, it is easy to say why. Both players have hold of one another, but Ballard uses his grip to send Konsa over the top of him before letting go and flailing out, deceiving the referee successfully into giving a penalty.

This is where VAR should have intervened to see the clear and obvious error but it did not. Thankfully for Arsenal, the penalty was saved and the momentum swung, ironically this was probably the best thing that could have happened.

FL verdict – Incorrect decision. Arsenal free-kick.

Dan Ballard 'judo roll' challenge on Ezri Konsa in Arsenal clash with Sunderland(Image: Match of the day / Premier League)

After being played in by Guimaraes, Reinildo Mandava and Saka duel for the ball, the left back clearly pulling strongly down on the shirt of Saka. Saka continues into the box and goes down, Brooks awards a penalty and sends off Reinildo for a second yellow card.

FL review – The issue with this one is the foul happens outside the box for several strides. Saka fights for balance, and just before entering the box, Reinildo lets go, and he, too, goes to ground, but any contact is very minimal.

There is a clash of knees, but again, this happens on the edge, just outside.

FL verdict – Incorrect decision, free-kick on the edge of the penalty area.

Bukayo Saka fouled by Reinildo for Arsenal clash with Sunderland(Image: Match of the day / Premier League)

A day that Pro Ref will want to forget, but that instead needs to be brought into focus greatly for the sake of the sport. Not only was the sending off of Phil Foden, which ignored an initial kick by Bruno Fernandes, wrongly interpreted, but then Erling Haaland’s goal has already brought about an acceptance of error from Pro Ref

FL review – Enzo Fernandez is in an offside position when the cross is played. He makes a diving lunge toward the ball, impacting Lisandro Martinez and Senne Lammens’ actions. It has directly affected the result and potentially the seasons of several clubs.

FL verdict – Pro Ref needs a major overhaul and an internal overview of operations to improve the standard of officiating at the highest level.

Erling Haaland offside goal for Man City against Manchester United(Image: Match of the day / Premier League)

Tom Canton joined football.london as the Arsenal Fan Brand Writer and Presenter before becoming a permanent Arsenal Reporter in 2025. Tom produces plenty of analytical content in addition to breaking stories and is a regular attendee at matches and press conferences. Can also be found on YouTube @TheGoonerTalkTV

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