Fans fume as Arsenal awarded penalty against Brighton during crucial Premier League clash

Fans are fuming after Arsenal were awarded a penalty against Brighton and Hove Albion.

With Liverpool set to take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, the Gunners have the chance to regain top spot in the Premier League with a win against Brighton at the Amex.

After a cagey start to the match, Arsenal were given a penalty in the 32nd minute after Tariq Lamptey was adjudged to have fouled Gabriel Jesus inside the 18-yard box.

VAR checked and cleared the decision as Bukayo Saka dispatched the penalty with ease to hand his side a crucial 1-0 lead.

However, fans were left fuming after replays showed that Lamptey did get a touch on the ball before making contact with Jesus.

Reacting on social media, one fan said: “How on earth is that a penalty? What a disgraceful decision.”

Another tweeted: “Doku apparently touched the ball first, hence no pen given for the foul on Mac Allister. Lamptey touched the ball first, still a pen anyway. Make it make sense.”

A third fan added: “First contact is outside the box and Lamptey also gets the faintest of touches on the ball… that should be NO PENALTY!”

Someone else wrote: “Lamptey winning the ball is a pen but Odegaard playing basketball in our box isn’t. Got it.”

A fifth commented: “Does Lamptey not get a slight touch of the ball? hmmm..”

Another fan said: “MacAllister gets studded in the chest no penalty. Lamptey wins the ball and gets a penalty. Good process.”

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon said: “Does Tariq Lamptey get anything on the ball? Maybe the left foot he just makes contact with the ball.

“Jesus picks up the ball and drives at Lamptey, who wants to make the challenge. Jesus darts inside of him and Lamptey sticks his left foot out. Big goal for Arsenal and Bukayo Saka doesn't miss many!”