In a dramatic twist that has ignited fresh debate in the Premier League, Arsenal have been handed a bombshell verdict on a controversial penalty claim during their frustrating 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest. The Gunners’ boss, Mikel Arteta, was left seething after his side was denied what he described as a “clear penalty,” but the official explanation has been firmly rejected by one top refereeing expert, while another backs the on-field decision.
The incident unfolded on Saturday at the City Ground, where Arsenal failed to fully capitalize on Manchester City’s shock 2-0 defeat to Manchester United earlier in the day. With the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table, the North London side were held to a stalemate by relegation-threatened Forest, dropping two precious points in the process.
The flashpoint came when Ola Aina and Elliot Anderson attempted to shepherd the ball out of play in their own penalty area, with Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus lurking nearby. Neither Forest player managed to clear the danger, and the ball appeared to brush off Aina’s upper arm. Referee Michael Oliver initially awarded a corner to Arsenal, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team—Darren England and assistant Sian Massey-Ellis—quickly reviewed the play from Stockley Park.
The Premier League Match Centre later issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Arsenal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that the ball was played off Aina’s shoulder first, while his arm was also in a natural position.” This official line has since been challenged, sending shockwaves through the football community.
Arteta didn’t hold back in his post-match comments, venting his frustration over the call. “The clear penalty that we cannot forget. That is a clear penalty in the box that’s not been given. Those are the margins,” he fumed. “I saw it live, I saw it here. I saw it now again. It’s very unnecessary but he brings the ball in with his hand.”
Former FIFA referee and ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has dropped a bombshell by siding squarely with Arteta in an interview with Football Insider. Hackett outright rejected the official statement, insisting that a spot-kick should have been awarded. “The player has deliberately moved his hand towards the ball and committed a handling offence,” Hackett stated. “Therefore, a penalty kick should have been awarded. You should regard the shoulder as part of the body, just like the foot. This is not a deflection off the body, but a deliberate play. A penalty should have been awarded.”
Hackett’s verdict has added fuel to the fire, highlighting what many Arsenal fans see as yet another VAR controversy in a season plagued by contentious decisions. His comments directly contradict the Premier League’s explanation, suggesting a potential flaw in how handball rules are interpreted.
However, not all experts are in agreement. Another former top-flight referee, Mark Halsey, has come out in support of Oliver and the VAR team in his column for The Sun. Halsey believes the decision was “spot on,” emphasizing that Aina’s arm position was natural given the context. “The ball does strike his arm, but in my opinion, his arms are in a natural position for that phase of play,” Halsey explained. “His arms are up, they’re coming down as the ball is coming down as well. Yes it does strike his arm, but not a deliberate act. So in my opinion, Michael Oliver and VAR got the decision absolutely spot on. Not a penalty for me.”
This split in opinion among refereeing heavyweights underscores the ongoing ambiguity surrounding handball laws in the Premier League. Arsenal supporters will no doubt feel aggrieved, especially as the draw leaves their title hopes hanging by finer threads despite a commanding season so far.
As it stands, Arsenal remain seven points clear of defending champions Manchester City, who suffered a rare derby defeat at Old Trafford. But that gap could shrink to just four points if Aston Villa secure victory over Everton in Sunday’s late kick-off. The Gunners’ inability to break down a resilient Forest side—despite dominating possession—has raised questions about their cutting edge in tight encounters.
Arteta’s fury and the conflicting expert views have set the stage for renewed calls for clarity on VAR protocols. As the Premier League title race heats up, incidents like this could prove pivotal. For now, Arsenal must dust themselves off and focus on upcoming fixtures, but the sense of injustice lingers in North London. Will this bombshell verdict spark change, or is it just another chapter in the endless VAR saga? Only time will tell.