Ex-PGMOL chief gives verdict on Arsenal penalty controversy vs Burnley

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(Credit: Imago) Tue 19 May 2026 6:30, UK Keith Hackett has insisted that Arsenal should not have had an early penalty during their 1-0 victory over Burnley on Monday.The Gunners are now just three points away from the Premier League title after Kai Havertz scored the only goal at the Emirates to secure the win.In the end, it was a tense match in North London as Arsenal went five points clear of Manchester City.However, Arsenal could have easily gone in front earlier in the game if the referee had awarded the hosts a penalty when Bukayo Saka went down in the box midway through the first half.Paul Tierney waved away the hosts’ protests, and this decision was later confirmed by VAR in Arsenal’s crucial victory. ⚽ Arsenal Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert verdicts and previews, and tactical analysis for every Gunners fixture. VISIT THE ARSENAL MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Keith Hackett: Bukayo Saka kicks his own footAs Arsenal searched for an opener, they had a golden chance when the ball was played to Saka inside Burnley’s box.However, he would go down after being challenged for the ball by Lucas Pires would resulted in many of the Gunners’ star to call for a penalty kick.Match statsArsenal BurnleyPossession61%39%Shots 135Shots on target30xG1.030.21Corners33Arsenal were the better team against BurnleyYet, this would not come, despite the Burnley star making little to no contact on the ball.Upon reviewing the footage of the incident, Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that the officials got this decision right.He said: “Not a penalty kick for me, it’s not clear and obvious.

Saka goes to ground having kicked his own foot.“The referee and VAR have got this one correct.”Controversy continues to plague Arsenal’s matchesFormer Man United assistant manager Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that West Ham United’s equaliser against Arsenal was rightly ruled out earlier this month.The Hammers thought they had earned a late point at the London Stadium, but after VAR review, the referee chose to disallow the goal for a foul on David Raya.— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 18, 2026 However, while many agreed with the decision, others didn’t, which resulted in Arsenal’s win being covered in controversy.While they were comfortable against Burnley, this trend has continued, thanks to the penalty incident, as well as a reckless Havertz challenge in the second half, which did not result in a red card.It remains to be seen if this trend will continue on Sunday against Crystal Palace, with Arsenal potentially having to win to secure the title. 💰 ARSENAL INSIDER UPDATE 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, off-pitch deals and boardroom developments at Emirates Stadium. Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the Emirates Stadium.