Wenger blames ‘scandalous’ refereeing for Arsenal defeat

Daniel Storey

Arsene Wenger hit out at a “scandalous” penalty decision after Arsenal crashed to a last-gasp defeat at Watford.

The Gunners were leading through a first-half header from Per Mertesacker when Hector Bellerin tangled with Richarlison in the area.

Watford’s Brazilian winger hit the deck and referee Neil Swarbrick pointed to the spot, with substitute Troy Deeney doing the honours.

The Hornets then secured all three points in stoppage time when Tom Cleverley pounced on a loose ball and fired home.

But it was the penalty decision which swung the game and left Wenger fuming:

“I would say it was not a penalty. It was a decision from the referee and that’s it.

“It is a scandalous decision. It came at a moment in the game where it was absolutely important for Watford. No penalty, no goal.”