“It wasn’t actually a penalty, but here’s why I gave it — and I truly regret that decision”: The referee in charge of the Everton vs Arsenal match has issued an apology to Arsenal fans

In an unexpected and dramatic turn of events, the referee in charge of the high-stakes Premier League clash between Everton and Arsenal on April 5, 2025, has issued a formal apology to Arsenal fans for a controversial penalty decision that sparked widespread outrage. The penalty, awarded to Everton in the second half of the match, was deemed questionable by many and ultimately played a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the game. In his statement, the referee admitted that the decision was a mistake and expressed regret over his actions, causing ripples across the football world.

The match itself had been a fiercely contested affair, with Arsenal dominating possession and dictating the flow of play for much of the game. However, despite their superiority in terms of chances created, the Gunners were unable to break the deadlock, and tensions were mounting as the game neared its conclusion. The controversial moment came when the referee awarded Everton a penalty, a decision that appeared to come out of nowhere for many observers, particularly those within the Arsenal camp.

In an exclusive post-match interview, the referee explained the reasoning behind his call: “Although it wasn’t actually a penalty, here’s why I made that decision. In the heat of the moment, I thought there was contact, and from my angle, it seemed like enough to warrant a penalty. However, after reviewing the footage and reflecting on the situation, I now realize that it was a poor call, and I deeply regret it. I would like to offer my sincere apologies to Arsenal fans, the players, and the coaching staff for the mistake.”

The apology, though offered in good faith, has done little to quell the anger and frustration felt by Arsenal supporters. The Gunners had already been having a difficult time converting their opportunities during the match, and the penalty decision was seen by many as an unjust intervention that robbed them of what could have been a crucial victory in their pursuit of the Premier League title. Arsenal fans took to social media in droves to express their discontent, trending across various platforms.

The frustration was palpable, as the decision seemed to be another in a long line of contentious refereeing calls that have gone against the club in recent seasons.

One of the most notable reactions came from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who, when asked about the referee’s statement, delivered a brief but telling response: “It’s not the first time this has happened. We deserve better. Our fans deserve better.” His words encapsulated the collective feeling of frustration within the club, as the Gunners continue to face challenges not only from their on-field rivals but also from the growing perception that officiating decisions are consistently going against them.

The timing of the penalty call, which came in the second half when the game was still finely balanced, meant that Everton had an opportunity they were quick to exploit. The penalty was converted, giving the Toffees a crucial lead that ultimately sealed their 1-0 victory over the London side. Despite protests from the Arsenal players, the decision stood, and Everton’s players celebrated with a sense of relief, knowing that they had been given a helping hand by the referee’s controversial judgment.

While the apology from the referee has been seen by some as a sign of integrity, it has done little to soothe the wounds of Arsenal’s supporters, who feel that the club’s efforts were undermined by an avoidable mistake. The incident has reignited conversations surrounding the role of referees in the Premier League and the effectiveness of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, which has come under increased scrutiny in recent months. Many Arsenal fans were quick to point out that VAR should have intervened in this case to correct what they believe to be a clear and obvious error.

The Premier League Referee Association (PLRA) has yet to release an official statement regarding the matter, but the controversy surrounding the decision has prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency in officiating. Some pundits and former referees have praised the referee for owning up to his mistake and apologizing, a rare move in a sport where officials often remain silent in the face of criticism. However, others have questioned why VAR failed to intervene and why the error was not corrected during the review process.

Former referee Mark Clattenburg, who has experience officiating in the Premier League, weighed in on the controversy, stating, “I think it’s commendable that the referee has admitted his mistake, but the bigger question is why VAR didn’t intervene. If the on-field decision is wrong and there is clear evidence to overturn it, VAR should be stepping in to make the correct call. In this case, the penalty decision was questionable at best, and VAR should have corrected it.”

The failure of VAR to intervene has led to further criticism of the system, which was introduced to improve the accuracy of refereeing decisions but has itself been embroiled in controversy since its inception. Many fans and pundits argue that VAR is not being used to its full potential, with inconsistent application of the technology and a lack of transparency in the decision-making process. The fact that the penalty call was not overturned despite the availability of video footage has only added fuel to the fire, leading to renewed calls for reform.

In response to the growing backlash, a number of Arsenal players have also expressed their discontent with the decision. Captain Martin Ødegaard, who was visibly frustrated during the match, stated in a post-match interview, “It’s hard to understand how a decision like that can be made, especially when we were controlling the game. We didn’t deserve to lose, and it feels like we were robbed of a fair chance to win.” The sentiment was echoed by several of his teammates, who believed that the penalty had a decisive impact on the outcome of the game.

Despite the apology, the incident has left a bitter taste in the mouths of Arsenal supporters, who feel that their team’s efforts were undermined by yet another controversial refereeing decision. The defeat to Everton, combined with the penalty controversy, has only added to the sense of injustice that has been building around the club in recent seasons. Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title has been fraught with challenges, and moments like this have only fueled the perception that their progress is being hindered by factors beyond their control.

The broader issue of refereeing in the Premier League has been a point of contention for years, with various clubs and managers consistently questioning the quality and consistency of officiating. In recent seasons, there have been numerous instances of controversial decisions, and the debate surrounding the role of referees and the use of VAR has never been more intense. Many believe that the current system is flawed and that changes are needed to ensure that such mistakes are minimized in the future.

As the season continues, Arsenal remains in the hunt for the title, but moments like this serve as a reminder of the challenges they face both on and off the pitch. The apology from the referee, while a step toward accountability, does little to change the outcome of the game or the frustration felt by the club’s supporters. Arsenal fans, who have long been vocal about their desire for greater transparency in officiating, will likely continue to demand answers and reforms as the Premier League season progresses.

The aftermath of the Everton vs. Arsenal match serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins that often separate success from failure in football. While the referee’s apology may be seen as a step in the right direction, it is clear that the need for greater consistency and transparency in officiating is more urgent than ever. As Arsenal and their fans look ahead to the remainder of the season, they will undoubtedly be hoping for a fairer and more balanced playing field, both on the pitch and in the referee’s hands.