Régis Le Bris Reveals What the Fourth Official Told Him After Controversial Penalty Against Arsenal

The Sunderland boss has sensationally revealed the conversation he had with the fourth official after the controversial penalty decision at the Stadium of Light — and it has sparked a furious reaction from Arsenal fans.

The Revelation That Has Everyone Talking

Régis Le Bris has never been one to hide his emotions on the touchline. But after Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats boss was left absolutely furious by a controversial penalty decision that could have changed the game.

And now, Le Bris has revealed exactly what the fourth official told him immediately after the incident.

“He told me it was never a penalty. He told me they got it wrong. But it was too late. The damage was done.”

The revelation has sparked a furious reaction from Arsenal fans, who are demanding answers from the refereeing body. The decision, which saw Ezri Konsa penalised for a foul on Dan Ballard, was described by Mikel Arteta as “unacceptable” and “embarrassing” .

The Penalty That Changed the Game

The controversy erupted in the 54th minute at the Stadium of Light. Referee John Brooks pointed to the spot after judging that Konsa had held Ballard at the near post from a corner.

VAR official Stuart Attwell checked the call and confirmed it. But the decision was immediately contested. David Raya saved Enzo Le Fee’s spot-kick, and two minutes later Bruno Guimaraes scored a stunning 25-yard strike to put Arsenal ahead .

Arteta was furious. “It’s a judo roll from the opponent. Ezri does nothing. Just watch it,” Arteta said. “This should never happen, it’s not fair, and I am sad, very sad, in that sense” .

But it was Le Bris’s revelation about the fourth official that has truly sparked outrage.

Pro Ref’s Bombshell Admission

In a stunning development, Pro Ref has now admitted that the decision was an error. The refereeing body confirmed they had made contact with Arsenal to “acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement” .

The admission has added fuel to the fire, with fans demanding that the result be investigated and the officials held accountable.

One Arsenal fan wrote: “Arteta was right. The fourth official admitted it. How can they get it so wrong and face no consequences?”

Another added: “This is a disgrace. The Premier League needs to sort this out. Arteta deserves an apology.”

The Fans’ Reaction

Arsenal and Sunderland fans have both taken to social media to react to the controversy.

One Arsenal fan wrote: “Arteta is right. The fourth official told Le Bris it wasn’t a penalty. Pro Ref admitted it was an error. But we still had to win the hard way.”

Another added: “This is a crisis in officiating. How many more mistakes will it take before something changes?”

A Sunderland fan posted: “We didn’t ask for VAR to help us. But we’ll take the point. Arsenal still won anyway.”

Another added: “The decision was questionable, but Raya saved the penalty. Arsenal were the better team.”

What Le Bris Said

Le Bris didn’t hold back after the match. “I don’t want to talk about the referee. But everyone saw what happened. The fourth official saw it. He told me. It’s just not good enough” .

He added: “We had a chance to take the lead. We didn’t take it. That’s football. But the decision… it’s hard to accept.”

The Verdict

Régis Le Bris has revealed what the fourth official told him immediately after the controversial penalty decision in Sunderland’s clash with Arsenal. The Sunderland boss was told the decision was wrong — but by then, the damage had been done.

Pro Ref has admitted the error, and fans are demanding answers.

One thing is certain: The officiating crisis in English football is far from over