Premier League admits VAR mistake as explanation issued over controversial decision

The Premier League has officially admitted that a major refereeing mistake was made during Arsenal’s narrow victory over Aston Villa, with an independent panel confirming that the Gunners should have been awarded a late penalty.

The controversial moment came deep into stoppage time at Villa Park, when Arsenal were desperately trying to protect a 1-0 lead. What followed has now been officially reviewed, and the conclusion is likely to raise fresh questions about the standard of VAR decision-making in the Premier League.

The incident involved one of Arsenal’s biggest summer arrivals.

The £75million signing was introduced from the bench for his Premier League debut after moving from Newcastle United, and he appeared to have a golden opportunity to help Arsenal put the game beyond Villa.

The midfielder was sent through on goal by Eberechi Eze before attempting to get his shot away inside the penalty area. However, Aston Villa defender Ian Maatsen challenged him from behind.

Referee Jarred Gillett immediately waved away Arsenal’s appeals for a penalty.

At the time, the decision stood despite replays appearing to show contact between Maatsen and the Arsenal midfielder. VAR officials James Bell and Nick Hopton also decided against recommending an on-field review.

However, the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents Panel has now reached a very different conclusion.

The five-member panel unanimously agreed that Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty. More importantly, the panel also believed Maatsen should have received a second yellow card for the challenge.

The KMI panel described the decision as a “clear and obvious error”, stating that there was contact with the Arsenal player’s standing leg and that Maatsen had not made contact with the ball.

The panel also explained that had VAR recommended an on-field review, Gillett would have had the option of awarding the penalty and showing Maatsen a second yellow card.

Despite the mistake, Arsenal managed to hold on to their 1-0 advantage and secure all three points, meaning the incorrect decision did not ultimately change the result.

But the revelation comes at a time when VAR and refereeing decisions are once again under intense scrutiny.

Interestingly, the KMI review also comes after another controversial incident involving Arsenal in their subsequent victory over Chelsea.

Gabriel Magalhaes escaped punishment after appearing to make contact with Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during a scramble inside the six-yard box. TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor argued that the Arsenal defender should have been sent off.

For Arsenal, however, the latest KMI verdict confirms that they were themselves on the wrong end of a significant decision against Aston Villa.

And for the £75million summer signing, his Premier League debut could easily have ended with a penalty and potentially a second yellow card for his opponent — had VAR intervened correctly.