Sunderland fell to a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday night

The Premier League have outlined why VAR did not recommend referee John Brooks overturned the second yellow card he showed to Reinildo on Saturday night.

Reinildo was shown a red card after challenging Bukayo Saka in stoppage time, with the winger going on to score the penalty that would lead to a 2-0 win for the visitors. The Premier League match centre have released a statement on the incident as well as the audio from the officials, who were satisfied that the left back had made a genuine attempt to play the ball but were adamant he had fouled Saka.

The statement reads: “The referee’s call of penalty to Arsenal and a second yellow card to Mandava for the challenge on Saka was checked and confirmed by VAR.

“REF: “He attempts to play the ball with his feet”. VAR: “He’s clearly in. I’m happy it’s denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity - genuine attempt for the ball. No.17 is on a yellow card. Foul and sanction is confirmed”.

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Reinildo will now serve a one-game suspension and miss the trip to Manchester City next weekend.

The Premier League have also released the audio which saw Sunderland awarded a second-half penalty when Ezri Konsa fouled Dan Ballard at a long throw.

The statement reads: “The referee’s call of penalty to Sunderland for a holding offence by Konsa on Ballard was checked and confirmed by VAR.

“REF: “He’s all over him at the near post facing the wrong way”. VAR: “I’m happy that it’s a holding offence. The foul is confirmed. Confirming the on-field decision of penalty”.”

Enzo Le Fee ultimately missed the penalty, with Bruni Guimaraes scoring a stunning long-range strike just two minutes later to put the visitors into a lead they would not relinquish.

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