BREAKING NEWS: The Premier League has issued an official statement, overturning Everton’s penalty and indefinitely suspending the referee from officiating Arsenal matches.

The Premier League has delivered a verdict on the controversial penalty awarded to Everton against Arsenal.

Arsenal was leading 1-0 at halftime during their Premier League match at Goodison Park on Saturday. However, Mikel Arteta’s side was equalized just minutes into the second half.

Iliman Ndiaye converted a penalty after Myles Lewis-Skelly was judged to have fouled Jack Harrison. Ndiaye’s penalty turned out to be the only goal of the second half, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

The decision caused controversy as the initial contact appeared to take place outside the box, and Lewis-Skelly released Harrison before falling to the ground.

VAR reviewed the situation but did not recommend that referee Darren England conduct an on-field review.

Following the call, the Premier League Match Centre issued a statement on X, stating: “The referee’s decision to award a penalty for the challenge by Lewis-Skelly on Harrison was reviewed and confirmed by VAR – with the contact considered sufficient for a penalty and inside the area.”

Lucy Ward, the former Leeds women’s striker providing commentary on TNT Sports, agreed with the decision. She commented: “Myles Lewis-Skelly misjudged the bounce and was always second best to reach it. Ndiaye had to wait a long time, but he was calm and sent Raya the wrong way.”

Arsenal entered the match 12 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, knowing they could not afford to drop any more points if they still had a chance of catching Arne Slot’s team.

The draw gave Everton’s Merseyside rivals a boost before their match against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. Slot’s team needs just 11 points from their remaining eight games to secure the title.

Fans shared their reactions on X, with one commenting: “It’s Over, Congratulations Liverpool for the Title..!” Another joked: “Everton securing the title for Liverpool in just three days.” A third added: “You can already hand the title to Liverpool.”