Chelsea Penalty Protests And Yellow Cards, Mikel Arteta Rejects Referee Comments

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta received a Chinese card for protesting fiercely at Chelsea's penalty. (Twitter @Arsenal)

JAKARTA - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta questioned and protested a penalty in the match against Chelsea at London Derby. Because of the protest, Arteta was shown a yellow card. He also declined to comment after the English Premier League match which ended in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge Stadium, Saturday, October 21 evening WIB.

Chelsea got the first goal from the penalty spot after William Saliba was declared to have touched the ball in the forbidden box.

The handball incident occurred when he had an aerial duel for the ball with Mykhaylo Mudryk. Saliba's free-moving hand then came into contact with the ball.

The referee also pointed to the spot and Cole Palmer successfully executed the penalty in the 15th minute. His shot was able to outwit goalkeeper David Raya. Furthermore, Chelsea established the advantage through Mudryk.

Arteta protested that penalty because Saliba's hand movements were considered reasonable for the jumping player. However, the Spanish manager's strong protest made him given a yellow card.

"I have explained to the referee. But I instead got a yellow card. So I'd better not comment. I'm clearly disappointed with this yellow card," said Arteta.

"The rules are clear, it is impossible to jump if the hands are not raised. That's an automatic move," he said again.

Although disappointed with the penalty and yellow card he received, Arteta was satisfied with the player's brilliant performance. He even said Gabriel Jesus et al appeared phenomenal.

In that match, Arsenal came back from two goals behind. Midfielder Declan Rice scored the first goal to reduce the Gunners.

Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard's goal, which came in to replace Gabriel Martinelli, equalized and closed the match with a score of 2-2.

"I think something seems to be wrong when we start the game. We play badly and never threaten the opponent. It's really dangerous to face a team like Chelsea," said Arteta.

"We ended up making changes. In the second half, we appeared in different matches. We played better," he said.

"How the team reacted to their second goal was phenomenal. I liked their attitude. When I walked into the dressing room after the game, the players seemed silent. I knew they were disappointed because the players wanted more. This is really a positive thing," said Arteta.

Yes, players deserve to be disappointed. The draw saved Arsenal from winning the top of the standings controlled by Manchester City. Both teams have points 21, but Man City are ahead on goal difference.