The Premier League has responded to the growing controversy surrounding the penalty awarded to Everton during their 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Goodison Park.
Arsenal took the lead in the first half of the Premier League clash on Saturday, but the Gunners were unable to hold on as Everton struck back early in the second half.
The equalising goal came from the penalty spot after Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for a challenge on Everton’s Jack Harrison.
Iliman Ndiaye stepped up and converted the spot-kick, leveling the match at 1-1 — a scoreline that would remain until full-time.
However, the decision to award the penalty sparked backlash and debate among fans and pundits alike.
The primary source of the dispute was the nature of the foul itself. Replays appeared to show that the initial contact occurred outside the penalty area.
Moreover, Lewis-Skelly seemed to release Harrison before the Everton winger went down theatrically inside the box.
Despite the questionable nature of the incident, VAR reviewed the challenge but opted not to advise an on-field review for referee Darren England, thus allowing the penalty decision to stand.
The Premier League’s Match Centre addressed the matter on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “The referee’s call of penalty for the challenge by Lewis-Skelly on Harrison was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be sufficient for a penalty and inside the area.”
This official statement aimed to clarify that the penalty was supported by video review, even though it remained divisive among fans.
Commentary during the match offered some support for the decision.
Lucy Ward, former Leeds United Women’s striker and TNT Sports pundit, agreed with the call.
She explained: “Myles Lewis-Skelly misjudged the bounce and was always second best to get to it.
Ndiaye had to wait a long time but he was coolness personified and sends Raya the wrong way.”
The result was a major setback for Arsenal, who entered the match trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by 12 points.
With limited games remaining, dropping further points has significantly dented their chances of mounting a late title challenge.
On the other hand, Everton’s draw had implications beyond their own campaign, as it handed local rivals Liverpool a crucial advantage in the title race.
The Merseyside club’s draw against Arsenal followed their win earlier in the week, meaning they may have effectively aided Liverpool’s title push within just a few days.
Fans took to social media to express their frustration and resignation.
One fan wrote, “It’s over, congratulations Liverpool for the title!” while another joked, “Everton guaranteeing Liverpool the title in the space of 3 days.”
A third added: “You can already give the title to Liverpool.”
With Liverpool needing just 11 points from their remaining eight games to mathematically secure the Premier League title, the race appears to be tilting decisively in their favour.
