Fans blast Nacho Monreal after ‘clear dive’ gives Arsenal penalty against Brighton
FANS have slammed Arsenal defender Nacho Moreal for “diving” to win a penalty in the Premier League clash against Brighton.
Referee Anthony Taylor awarded the Gunners a spot-kick after Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s challenge on the Spaniard.
Replays showed there was little, if any, contact between Jahanbakhsh, 25, and Monreal, 33, who fell to the ground right in front of Taylor’s eyes eights minutes in.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stepped in and made no mistake from the spot, giving Arsenal a much-needed lead.
Unai Emery’s men needed all the three points if they were to keep their hopes of a top four finish in the Premier League this season.
But fans blasted Monreal on social media for his fall, claiming he deceived the official.
One wrote: “Absolutely embarrassing from Nacho Monreal.”
While another added: “Are you serious Taylor? If you don’t see that, what do you see.
“VAR is needed, absolutely yes. So you give Monreal the yellow for diving.”
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A third said: “Let’s hope FA have a look at that dive by Monreal for the pen, as I said earlier. Embarrassing.”
And another tweeted: “How are officials standing right next to blatant dives and giving fouls, Fabinho yesterday and Monreal there are some of the worst decisions I’ve seen.”
Only last week Leeds striker Patrick Bamford was handed a two-match ban by the FA for simulating he had been elbowed by Anwar El Ghazi in the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.