Key Match Incidents Panel Rules 3-2 That Saliba Foul on Barry Should Have Been Spot-Kick.

Arsenal Everton penalty error KMI Panel

The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has ruled that Everton should have been awarded a penalty during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on December 20, 2025, at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The controversial incident in the 57th minute saw Arsenal defender William Saliba kick the boot of Everton striker Thierno Barry as both challenged for the ball. Referee Sam Barrott waved play on, and VAR Michael Salisbury upheld the decision, deeming contact “insufficient.”

However, the five-member independent panel – comprising former players/coaches, Premier League, and PGMOL representatives – voted 3-2 that Barrott’s call was incorrect, with three members noting Saliba “carelessly kicks Barry with no contact on the ball.” They also voted 3-2 that VAR should have intervened and sent the referee to the monitor.

Arsenal won via Viktor Gyökeres‘ penalty (after Jake O’Brien’s handball), maintaining their lead in a fierce title race with Manchester City. Had Everton equalized, it could have altered standings significantly.

Everton boss David Moyes criticized inconsistency post-match, saying he was “half-choking” over a similar awarded penalty days later.

Mikel Arteta avoided comment, saying he hadn’t reviewed the footage. The ruling fuels ongoing debates on VAR thresholds and officiating fairness – no points change, but a spotlight on fine margins in the Premier League.