Hackett Sides with Frustrated Arteta in Handball Controversy After Forest Stalemate
A fresh debate over a crucial handball call has erupted following Arsenal’s frustrating goalless draw with Nottingham Forest, with former referees’ chief Keith Hackett publicly siding with manager Mikel Arteta.
The controversy centers on a late incident where Forest defender Ola Aina used his arm to control the ball inside his own penalty area. While the on-field referee, Michael Oliver, waved play on and the Premier League’s Match Centre later backed the decision, claiming the ball hit Aina’s shoulder first with his arm in a natural position, not everyone is convinced.
A visibly frustrated Arteta insisted his side were robbed of a clear opportunity. “I saw it live, I saw it here, and I saw it now again,” he said after the match. “It is a clear penalty. He brings the ball with his hand.”
His view found powerful backing from Keith Hackett, the former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). “The player has deliberately moved his hand towards the ball and committed a handling offence,” Hackett stated. “This is not a deflection off the body, but a deliberate play. A penalty should have been awarded.”
For Arsenal, the denied claim compounded a night of missed chances and offensive frustration, marking their second consecutive league game without a goal. Arteta lamented his team’s failure to capitalize on “four massive chances” but stressed the penalty decision was pivotal.
“Without conceding a single shot on target, again, the fact that we haven’t won the game with that is disappointing,” he said.
While the single point keeps Arsenal clear at the top of the table, the lingering sense of injustice and two blunt performances will concern Arteta. For a battling Forest, however, the disputed call helped secure what could be a precious point in their fight for survival.
Similar Posts:
- Arsenal’s Lead Grows, But Arteta Left Frustrated After Forest Stalemate
- Arteta Questions Controversial Penalty Decision in Arsenal’s Draw with Brighton
- Handball Decision in Arsenal’s 2-2 Draw Divides Fans and Raises Questions on Consistency
- Ex-Referee Chief Backs Controversial United Goal in Liverpool Defeat
- Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka Left Frustrated After Controversial Penalty Decision in Champions League Clash (Video)
