Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has criticised officials for allowing Arsenal’s decisive goal to stand in their 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The 2025/26 Premier League season kicked off with high drama as Riccardo Calafiori’s headed goal separated the sides, but the build-up to the strike sparked heated debate.
Arsenal exploited United’s weakness at set pieces. A problem that haunted them in last season’s loss at the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta’s side repeatedly targeting goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Chosen in goal ahead of injured Andre Onana, Bayindir found himself crowded during corners, and for Calafiori’s winner, he appeared to be impeded by William Saliba.
Replays also showed Saliba pulling Mason Mount’s shirt as the midfielder tried to defend the delivery. Speaking to United in Focus, Clattenburg argued the officials got the key decision wrong.
He said, “In real time, I did not see any problem with Arsenal’s goal, but when you watch it in slow motion you can see Mason Mount was having his shirt pulled and Bayindir was being impeded while challenging for the ball. PGMOL said they would punish more of this type of challenge, but again they failed.”
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) had instructed referees to crack down on grappling at set pieces this season, but the very first fixture has already raised questions about consistency.
