Ex-refs chief backs Samuel Barrott over Leo Scienza incident in Southampton vs Arsenal

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Credit: Imago / BBC iPlayer Southampton vs Arsenal: Ex-refs chief backs Samuel Barrott over Leo Scienza’s penalty claim Sat 4 April 2026 20:49, UK Southampton were always unlikely to be awarded a penalty after Leo Scienza went to ground against Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that referee Samuel Barrott got his decision spot-on on Saturday, 4 April.Just three minutes into proceedings, the Championship club were crying out for a spot-kick, with Scienza going down under pressure from Gabriel Magalhaes, but his shouts fell on deaf ears.Southampton presented a huge challenge to Arsenal, with Ross Stewart opening the scoring for the home side in the 35th minute, but it could have been an even quicker start on the south coast.Scienza goes down in the box after a challenge from Gabriel – Saints fans scream for a penalty. Cracking start to this game, though.#SaintsFC— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) April 4, 2026 View Tweet ⚽ 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 Samuel Barrott supported as Arsenal escape early penaltyAfter watching replays, it was suggested that the Saints’ No.13 may have been fortunate not to be cautioned for an act of simulation. Now, we have a specialist’s view on the incident.Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Referee Samuel Barrott, after a great sprint, was ideally positioned to correctly turn down appeals for a penalty kick by Southampton.“Early in the game, he decided not to yellow card Scienza for the act of simulation.

I support this decision.”Southampton1st half statsArsenal35%Possession65%3Shots112Shots on target31Big chances missed04Fouls committed70Corners7Scienza caused the Gunners all kinds of issues during the first half, and his early penalty claim was just a warning of what was to come from the 27-year-old Brazilian.What did former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann say?Of course, the home supporters were absolutely desperate to see the referee point towards the penalty spot, only to be left disappointed as no such decision was made.Speaking live on BBC One (4 April, 8:06pm), Darren Cann said: “For me, there’s no penalty at all, no contact or very little contact. I do not expect VAR to intervene whatsoever.”Tonda Eckert’s side kicked on anyway, taking confidence from their early chances, and Scienza should have poked his side ahead before Stewart capitalised on a mistake from Ben White.He had rounded Kepa Arrizabalaga, but having taken too long to get a shot off, he was crowded away from goal and forced into making a foul inside the penalty area. 💰 ARSENAL INSIDER UPDATE 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, off-pitch deals and boardroom developments at Emirates Stadium.