Mark Clattenburg’s verdict on Arsenal’s overturned penalty v Aston Villa is in, ‘The law is clear’

Arsenal got over the line with a 1-0 win at Aston Villa this evening but they could have had more had their awarded penalty not been overturned.

The Gunners thought they had a chance from the spot when Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot when Bukayo Saka was felled by Ian Maatsen.

The foul looked clear enough – although Gary Neville suggested otherwise on Sky comms – and Arsenal thought they’d got their reward.

However, VAR intervened and decided that the call be reversed, meaning only a free-kick was awarded which was duly fired wide by Martin Odegaard.

Now, former top referee Mark Clattenburg has spoken exclusively to Arsenal Insider on if that decision was indeed correct.

Why Arsenal were not awarded a penalty v Aston Villa

There was still plenty of debate on this one from Arsenal fans over on social media.

For some, there was some confusion after Saka ended up in the box which many believe constitutes it being a penalty.

However, Clattenburg has explained that it’s simply not the case.

“Declan Rice passes the ball through to Bukayo Saka and is brought down by Ian Maatsen. The referee awarded the penalty but it was clear from the replays that the foul was initiated outside of the penalty area and the VAR was correct to recommend a review and change the decision,” Clattenburg told Arsenal Insider.

“The law is clear, if the initial foul occurred outside the penalty area and momentum carries both players inside then the referee must award a free kick.”

Once again, it was Arsenal’s star boy Saka who had the big moments in the game, including the goal.

Arsenal were brilliant in defence once again and it is the sort of performance that tells everyone else in the league that the Gunners are yet again hard to beat.

As for this decision, Clattenburg’s explanation is clear. The referee and VAR – eventually – got it right.