‘We’re not watching rugby’: Ex-PGMOL chief takes swipe at Arsenal after Sunderland penalty incident
Arsenal beat Sunderland yesterday at the Stadium of Light to maintain their perfect start to the season but it could have been so different.
The Gunners gave away a penalty at 0-0- which was then saved by David Raya but the incident which led to the penalty being given has caused plenty of debate.
Dan Ballard appeared to be wrestled to the ground by Ezri Konsa and the penalty was given.
However, Mikel Arteta felt the decision was harsh and criticised both the referee and VAR after the game.
Nevertheless, while some are suggesting Arteta is right, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has claimed otherwise.
Keith Hackett says Arsenal were right to be punished against Sunderland
While not involved anymore, Keith Hackett always has plenty to say on big calls in games.
Yesterday was no different.
However, instead of backing the Gunners and Arteta, Hackett instead insisted that the decision was correct as he took a dig at Arsenal for holding in the box.
The photo and video of this incident says it all.
— KEITH HACKETT (@HACKETTREF) September 13, 2026
It is supposed to be football we are watching not Rugby!!! https://t.co/tdrqOEgEgD
Adding further comment in the discussion on social media, Hackett then doubled down in his support of the referee.
“Amazing. They are conditioned and have allowed grappling to blight our game. Good to see a ref do something about it.”
A number of former pros like Ashley Williams have said it should not have been a pen, while former PL referee Mark Halsey also backed Arsenal.
Furthermore, Mark Clattenburg also told Arsenal Insider that the referee was incorrect.
“I cannot understand why the VAR did not recommend a review to change the referee’s original decision of a penalty kick to Sunderland.
“Dan Ballard initiates the contact and clearly holds Ezri Konsa and then falls while dragging him down.
“This was a clear error and should have been changed by the VAR to a defensive free kick to Arsenal.”
In the end, it mattered little as the Gunners got the win anyway.
But the warning signs are there and it’s going to be something the team needs to keep an eye on going forward.