Premier League publish statement and audio on key calls in Sunderland v Arsenal

The Premier League have released officials’ audio and an explanation of two VAR-checked penalties from Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.

The league said in a statement that VAR confirmed the on-field award of a second-half penalty to Sunderland for a holding offence by Ezri Konsa on Dan Ballard at a long throw.

Enzo Le Fee missed from the spot, and two minutes later Bruni Guimaraes struck from long range to put the visitors ahead, a lead they did not relinquish.

Late on, VAR reviewed but did not advise overturning referee John Brooks’ decision to book Reinildo Mandava for a second time after a stoppage-time foul on Bukayo Saka. The check found a genuine attempt to play the ball and a denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity, so the foul and sanction stood. Saka converted the penalty to seal the scoreline.

Mandava will serve a one-game ban and miss next weekend’s trip to Manchester City.

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