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Both the Premier League and Mikel Arteta opted for a transparent approach following the fiercely debated penalty that Arsenal conceded against Sunderland on Saturday night. However, rather than defusing a tense situation, it only managed to expose an uncomfortable truth to the wider world.
The match officials were perfectly comfortable penalizing Arsenal center back Ezri Konsa for a "holding offense" against Sunderland's Dan Ballard in the second half of what had been a scoreless encounter. Arteta, however, would claim that Ballard had executed a "judo roll."
The transcript of the on-field exchange between referee John Brooks and video assistant Stuart Attwell was published by the Premier League during Saturday's tense fixture, which Arsenal edged 2–0 after Enzo Le Fée squandered the disputed spot kick.
It was a brief exchange that seemed to contradict the footage, which Brooks chose not to review on the sideline having already awarded the penalty in real time. Konsa did appear to have his eyes on the incoming cross before a pull from Ballard on his left arm spun him around—the very "judo roll" that Arteta had highlighted.
Tracking the ball is one of the key factors Premier League referees are expected to consider following the renewed emphasis on grappling situations this season.
The Premier League's official guidelines define holding offenses as incidents "that have clear material impact, and/or are non-footballing holding actions that have no place on the football pitch."
Officials have been instructed to watch for players who are "holding an opponent with both arms" and any "sustained and/or impactful holding of an opponent or their clothing."
Konsa does quite visibly have two handfuls of Ballard's shirt before being dragged to the ground by the Sunderland defender, and a case could be made that this should constitute a foul preceding any subsequent action. The problem for Arteta and frustrated Arsenal supporters is that the Premier League's explanation raises more questions than it resolves.
Arteta 'Worried and Sad' About Repercussions of Refereeing
Not limiting his frustration to the impact on his own side's fortunes on Wearside, Arteta contended that this refereeing call could carry significant consequences for the entire division.
"We had to overcome a really tough opponent in a difficult place," Arsenal's manager fumed after the final whistle. "Sunderland can suffocate you and they decided to be really physical and very direct and we also had to overcome a situation that, in my opinion was unacceptable at this level.
"I'm very worried and sad because this can never be a penalty. It's a judo roll from the opponent. Ezri does nothing. We have to take responsibility to protect the game. Today the game was unprotected and it could have cost us the win and our momentum. I'm really sad. It should never have happened."
The Premier League has issued a "strong mandate for the on-field officials and the VAR to recognize and penalize clear holding actions" this season. It remains to be seen what the independent panel that evaluates each refereeing decision makes of this incident, but should they back the officials, Arteta could be facing a long and frustrating campaign ahead.