Arsenal to contact refereeing body Pro Ref over Ezri Konsa giving away penalty against Sunderland

Arsenal will contact the refereeing organisation Pro Ref about Ezri Konsa conceding a penalty in the Gunners' victory over Sunderland. Konsa was deemed to have fouled Dan Ballard while marking the Black Cats defender inside the penalty area. The Arsenal defender gave away the spot-kick for excessive holding after being judged to have bundled the Sunderland centre-half to the ground. Referee John Brooks awarded the penalty to the disgust of Mikel Arteta, who heavily criticised the decision after the final whistle. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say It is understood Arsenal want clarity on why Brooks awarded the penalty and how he reached his decision. The VAR team backed the referee in awarding the spot-kick, which was eventually saved by David Raya. The Premier League Match Centre published a statement following the decision, reading: "The referee's call of penalty to Sunderland for a holding offence by Konsa on Ballard was checked and confirmed by VAR." When asked about his thoughts on the penalty, Arteta said: "This is not acceptable at this level. ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS - King Charles's Sandringham cricket pitch could be in line for massive £9,000 upgrade - Amy Hunt calls out Sydney Sweeney as fury grows over naked sports advert - Ben Shelton rages at 'stupid' tennis rule after losing US Open final to Alexander Zverev "I watched it 20 times, and I cannot find a way to understand how they think to give a penalty in that situation, or the way the VAR has to intervene. "So I don't know what to think. I'm sad that we have to discuss this after such a beautiful game, that at this level has the gravity of that. "Because that changes the course of the season, and it can cost you the championship. "At this level, with all the work we put in, this cannot happen." Despite the decision, Arsenal went on to win the game 2-0 and continue their 100 per cent start. Bruno Guimaraes scored a screamer just 121 seconds after the penalty was saved, celebrating by wheeling away to the home supporters and cupping his ears. In stoppage time, Sunderland were reduced to 10 men after Reinildo brought down Bukayo Saka in the penalty area. The Arsenal captain stepped up, and despite Robin Roefs getting a hand to it, the English winger got his goal and the Gunners won 2-0. Speaking after the game, Arteta was full of praise for Guimaraes, telling TNT Sports: "To play with the personality he has played. He decided the game with a goal and an assist. Unbelievable." Turning his attention to Sunderland, the Arsenal boss said: "Big credit to Sunderland as well, the way they play, the way they are coached. "They are a really good team. They have courage and a really good understanding of what they have to do throughout the game. "It's been extremely tough, but I'm really happy we have done it. We had a really tough week, playing Chelsea first and then going to Napoli, winning there and then coming here and winning here." Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter