Former Premier League strikers Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have criticised VAR’s decision not to award Arsenal a penalty in their Premier League clash with Leicester City.
The Gunners were, once again, the victim of two controversial decisions from the officials in the opening 45 minutes at the King Power Stadium. The first incident came in the 26th minute when Leandro Trossard's wonderstrike was disallowed after VAR replays showed Ben White holding on to Danny Ward's hand in the build-up.
Craig Pawson was sent to the pitchside monitor before ruling-out the Belgian's first Premier League goal for the club. Moments later, Bukayo Saka was brought down inside the penalty area by Harry Souttar but nothing was given.
Read more: Why Leandro Trossard Arsenal wondergoal vs Leicester City was ruled out amid fresh VAR anger
VAR did check the challenge but deemed the challenge a fair one, despite the disgruntlement of the travelling Arsenal supporters. Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson was critical of VAR's decision on Sky Sports News: "The ball comes in from the right-hand side and all of a sudden Souttar tangles his legs with Saka and they go down. I don't know.
"They've had a look at it and they can't see that... but they can see someone holding someone's hand [for the disallowed goal]."
Merson's view on the penalty was seconded by Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, who were in disbelief that a penalty was not given. Speaking on OptusSport, Shearer claimed it was "100%" a penalty despite the slip from Souttar while Wright labelled the decision as "ridiculous".
Former Premier League referee Gallagher was in agreement with the ex-strikers, insisting it was a penalty.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal Europa League round of 16 opponents confirmed as Mikel Arteta handed Sporting CP test
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Bukayo Saka Arsenal contract, referees and Thomas Partey fitness
Mikel Arteta gives Arsenal injury update on Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey for Leicester
Stan Kroenke sets Folarin Balogun transfer fee for Arsenal as Bukayo Saka advice pays off
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
