Mikel Arteta has received some clarity over the offside law after Arsenal were denied a penalty in their win over Hull.

On a day of controversial refereeing decisions in the Premier League, the incident in question at the Emirates Stadium occurred in the first half when Kai Havertz was pulled to the ground inside the box.

The German’s appeals was initially ignored and play was allowed to continue before a sudden halt was called to allow referee Farai Hallam to go to the monitor and review the replay.

While Hallam announced that a foul had been committed by Hull defender Nobel Mendy, Arsenal were NOT awarded a penalty because Havertz was in an offside position.

“I don’t know, I haven’t watched it back,” the Arsenal manager said in his post-match press conference.

“I didn’t watch it back so I don’t have to lie to you guys. I was surprised, because when they sent the referee to the monitor the bench was telling me that it’s a clear penalty, it’s pulling.

“I know they decided not to because the starting position of Kai was offside, so I don’t know what the interpretation is. I’m sure they will make that clear to understand it.”

Farai Hallam explains the decision to Kai Havertz

Getty

Former Premier League referee chief Keith Hackett has attempted to clear up the situation by posting on X, formerly Twitter: “The Offside Law is clear and a penalty kick should have been awarded.”

Ultimately, the confusion over whether Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty was not made into a bigger talking point after the game as Martin Odegaard broke Hull’s resistance in the 72nd minute.

That result, coupled with Manchester City’s loss to Nottingham Forest, means the Gunners have a six-point lead at the Premier League summit.