Gary Neville and Lineker agree on 'ludricrous' William Saliba VAR decision in Arsenal vs Chelsea
Both Gary Neville and Gary Lineker have questioned the handball law after the controversial opinion to penalise William Saliba as the ball struck the Arsenal star's arm against London rivals Chelsea. The Gunners made a sluggish start to the clash in west London on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues were quite the opposite as they came out of the traps quickly, putting the Arsenal backline under pressure in the opening stages. Then came the moment of controversy as a dangerous cross found the head of Mykhailo Mudryk, which was moving goalwards until striking the arm of Saliba.
The game played on, but VAR later advised the match referee to check the pitchside monitor to make his own decision over a potential spot kick. It was then decided that it would be a penalty, due to the arm being in an unnatural position and making the defender bigger.
Cole Palmer stepped up and dispatched the ball into the back of the net, sending goalkeeper David Raya the wrong way with his finish. While it gave the Blues the lead, it was the penalty decision that sparked much disagreement, with claims that the law doesn't work as well as intended.
One of those who disagreed with the call was Neville, who said on Sky Sports: «It hits William Saliba’s arm, there is no doubt about that. I think he could be in a little bit of bother here. Coming off the back of the Everton game earlier [vs Liverpool], I would say this is going to be given I would say.
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»This is all about whether Saliba’s arm is there because he is trying to win the ball — it’s certainly above, out and away
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