According to a report by Football London on Monday, 9 November 2026, football London's referee review found that a contentious video assistant referee decision involving Kai Havertz wrongly denied Arsenal a penalty in their 1-0 win over Hull City.

Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty for a holding offense against Havertz, but referee Farai Hallam and video assistant referee Michael Oliver erred in their decision.

Havertz was brought down by Hull defender Nobel Mendy just inside the penalty area when the incident happened. Play continued at first because Hallam gave the go-ahead, but video assistant referees suggested an on-field review.

Hallam observed Havertz's offside position and determined that Arsenal could not be given a penalty. However, he did decide that Mendy had committed a holding offense after reviewing the pitchside monitor.

But according to Football London's analysis, the referees erred in their interpretation of the rules since the holding infraction happened before the offside infraction.

According to the publication, the decision should have gone to Arsenal for a penalty kick.

The same players were involved in yet another contentious incident earlier in the game. While Havertz was trying to gain control of the ball inside the box, Mendy seemed to tug on his shirt, but Hallam did not give a penalty.

According to Football London's analysis, the incident was deemed borderline, implying that VAR would not have reversed the referee's decision regardless.

Also making headlines at the time was referee Oliver, who was in charge of sending off Igor Thiago in Brighton's 2-0 win over Brentford.

After an incident involving Brighton midfielder Chema Andres, the Brazilian striker was sent off. However, according to Football London's review, the severity of the contact did not warrant a red card.

In their view, a yellow card would have been more fitting for Thiago's behavior, since it did not rise to the level of violent conduct.

Brentford's forthcoming Premier League encounter with Arsenal will be without Thiago due to his suspension.

Considering that Arsenal have strengthened their position at the summit following Manchester City's defeat, the controversies have arisen at a crucial stage of the title race.

Even though we beat Hull, the refereeing calls have given us more reason to debate the reliability of video assistant referees in the Premier League.