The Premier League has moved to clarify a major officiating decision that left Everton furious during their clash with Arsenal on Saturday night, after a penalty appeal was waved away.
The Controversial Incident
With 58 minutes played in the Premier League fixture, a pivotal moment unfolded. Everton striker Thierno Barry and Arsenal defender William Saliba challenged for a bouncing ball on the edge of the Gunners' penalty area. Replays showed Saliba's boot making contact with Barry's foot, causing the Everton forward to go down. Barry immediately clutched his foot and appealed for a spot-kick, with team-mate Jack Grealish also vehemently protesting to referee Samuel Barrott.
Despite the appeals, referee Barrott allowed play to continue. The decision was then reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) as part of the standard check for potential penalty incidents.
The Official Explanation
In its post-match update, the Premier League's Match Centre provided the reasoning behind the final call. It stated: "The referee’s call of no penalty to Everton was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed the contact from Saliba on Barry wasn’t sufficient for a penalty."
This official line suggests that while contact was acknowledged, the officials judged it to be incidental or not forceful enough to warrant overturning the on-field decision and awarding a penalty kick.
Expert Reaction and Fallout
The decision did not go without criticism and analysis. Former Arsenal player and Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith believed the Gunners had enjoyed a slice of fortune. Speaking during the broadcast, Smith analysed: "He's a little fortunate. He did kick Barry's foot. It happens so often. One player gets there first and the other kicks their foot."
The incident has sparked further debate about the consistency of VAR interventions in Premier League matches, particularly concerning challenges inside the penalty area. For Everton, the non-call represented a missed opportunity to potentially change the complexion of the game, adding to the frustration of the result.
The match, which took place on Saturday, 20 December 2025, will be remembered for this key flashpoint, illustrating the fine margins and subjective interpretations that continue to define big moments in top-flight football.
