Arsenal fans fume as 'clear penalty for handball' not given vs Oxford in FA Cup clash

Eddie Nketiah's first half strike appeared to be blocked by the arm of Oxford United defender Elliott Moore only for no penalty to be awarded for the infringement

21:25, 09 Jan 2023

Arsenal fans felt they should have had a penalty(Image: ITV)

Arsenal fans have been left fuming after a "clear penalty for handball" was not given in their FA Cup clash with Oxford United.

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Mikel Arteta's Premier League leaders were frustrated for much of the first half of their third round trip to Oxford on Monday, with their League One opponents limiting the Gunner's attacking threat. Eddie Nketiah was presented with a chance during the opening 45 minutes, though, when a loose ball dropped to him inside the penalty area.

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However, his low volley was blocked by defender Elliott Moore, with the ball appearing to strike the Oxford man's hand as he jumped in front of the ball.

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Despite shouts for a penalty from the Arsenal players and fans, referee David Coote waved play on. Due to the match taking place at a League One ground, no VAR is in use and the incident was not reviewed as a result.

Arsenal fans were quick to take to social media to react to the decision, with one tweeting: "It's a clear penalty lol. Yes his hands need to come down but not Arsenal's fault the defender has massively miscalculated his slide."

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Should Arsenal have been awarded a penalty? Let us know in the comments section below.

The ball appeared to strike Elliott Moore's hand(Image: ITV)

Another added: "All I can say is there was an obvious penalty denied Arsenal. What the linesman was doing is what I don’t understand." A third commented: "2 games in a row now, Arsenal have been denied a penalty for handball in the box from the opposing team."

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One more also wrote: "Guess it's fashionable to not award Arsenal blatant penalties these days." Another went on to say: "I’m convinced no one is ever going to call a handball penalty in Arsenal’s favour ever again."

Arsenal also saw several shouts for penalties fall on deaf ears during their goalless draw with Newcastle United in the league last week, adding to supporter frustration.

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Their penalty shout at the Kassam Stadium was a rare spark in a slow opening half, which saw neither side have a shot on target.

Mohamed Elneny eventually opened the scoring shortly after the hour mark, to put Arsenal on the brink of securing a fourth round tie against Manchester City.

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