Premier League release statement on Brighton’s penalty against Arsenal after VAR check on William Saliba challenge
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Sponsored by. THE PREMIER LEAGUE have released a statement on the decision to award Brighton a penalty after William Saliba headbutted Joao Pedro. Saliba made contact on the Brighton striker using his head but avoided a red card. Referee Anthony Taylor did deem the challenge to be a foul however so awarded the Seagulls a penalty, which Pedro converted.
![[William Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao Pedro]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/MM-OFF-PLATFORM-SALIBA.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
VAR reviewed the incident and confirmed the ref's decision to award a spot kick. The Premier League match centre have since clarified the incident, confirming the decision made by the ref and VAR. It wrote on X: "The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on João Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.".
![[VAR confirmed referee Anthony Taylor's call]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-arsenals-william-saliba-fouls-961522679_43983c.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Fans were split on the incident with one Arsenal fan arguing it should have not been a penalty. They wrote: "In what world is this a penalty against Saliba????". A fan hit back, saying: "100% pen. If you go to kick the ball and catch the player late it's a foul, no different with head! It's a late foul!".
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