BREAKING NEWS: FA releases official statement on Arsenal penalty claim as PGMOL admit huge penalty blunder with 3 points set to be awarded to Arsenal – decision taken today
Arsenal were denied a penalty during the second half of Saturday evening’s goalless draw to Nottingham Forest. Ola Aina was not adjudged to have committed a handball offence inside his own box when he and Elliot Anderson shielded the ball out of play.
Gabriel Jesus was somewhat in the vicinity when the Forest duo tried to clear their lines. Neither Aina nor Anderson managed to hook the ball clear and the Gunners were initially awarded a corner by the on-field referee, Michael Oliver.
The ball appeared to glance off the Forest defender’s upper arm. The Video Assistant Referee, Darren England and his assistant Sian Massey-Ellis, quickly intervened to review the incident from Stockley Park.
As quoted by the TNT Sports co-commentators in the gantry at the City Ground, they claimed that Aina’s arm was in a natural position and made a natural movement. So, Arsenal were not given a spot-kick.
The Premier League Match Centre later clarified the decision on X, formerly known as Twitter. An official statement said: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Arsenal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that the ball was played off Aina’s shoulder first, while his arm was also in a natural position.”
Forest held Arsenal to a goalless draw, earning a crucial point in the race for Premier League survival. Speaking to reporters at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday, Arteta anticipated a difficult clash.
Mikel Arteta applauds the Arsenal fans after the Premier League draw at Nottingham Forest
Mikel Arteta applauds the Arsenal fans after the Premier League draw at Nottingham Forest (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
“He’s a top coach, really good at what he does,” said the Gunners boss. “You can see straight away the fingerprints on the team, the way they play, the results that they got against some of the big teams as well, how difficult they constantly make it for you.
“He’s so experienced in the league, so it’s a very tough match,” added Arteta. On how hard it is to play at the City Ground, the Spaniard said: “Winning away from home in the Premier League is extremely tough.
“They are a team that we have beaten over the last few years, and we have done a lot of things right to beat a really good team. With Sean, they are different, very, very efficient in what they do, very clear identity and that’s what makes them very dangerous.”
Match referee and Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on January 17, 2026 in Nottingham, England
Martin Odegaard and Michael Oliver during Arsenal’s clash against Nottingham Forest
On the difficulty of playing a team fighting to stay in the league, Arteta said: “I don’t know, it depends on the day what the game presents, but obviously when you’re in that situation you certainly want to get out of that and you might have an extra edge about you.
“But you want to win, the hunger to win as well and the motivation and the drive to do that is incredible as well. So every team will handle the emotional part in their way, we have to focus on what we do.”
Welcome to ‘Seeing Red’ – our new Arsenal podcast
We’ve launched a new Arsenal podcast ‘Seeing Red’ with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta’s side every step of the way – and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It’s a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League – and they’re also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We’ll provide insight and reaction – and have fun along the way – as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We’ll have it all covered.
