Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez was left furious in the first half of his side’s clash with Everton after being denied a penalty.
The Gunners had already taken a one-goal lead at Goodison Park through an exceptional team goal which was finished by Danny Welbeck, and although they doubled their lead shortly before half-time through Alex Iwobi, they felt as though they should have had a spot kick.
Sanchez weaved his way into the box and was caught by Muhamed Besic before a second Everton defender helped him on his way down.
BT Sport co-commentator Michael Owen suggested that the manner in which the Chilean international fell to the ground was why it wasn’t given, although ex-referee Howard Webb insisted that the penalty should have been awarded.
Opinion was certainly split on Twitter, with a significant number of those watching the game adamant that Sanchez had dived and his theatrical fall to the ground deserved a booking.
However, in contrast, there were also those who were left disillusioned by the analysis of the incident, insisting that Sanchez should be commended for trying to stay on his feet instead of looking to go to ground immediately after the contact was made.
So Sanchez tries to stay up, use the advantage and doesn’t get a penalty???? then people complain why players go down after any contact, joke
— Lewis (@lewisrichatweet) March 19, 2016
BT commentators are actually having a go at Sanchez for trying to stay on his feet in the box. That’s what’s wrong with football. #EFCvAFC
— Asian gooner (@theasiangooner) March 19, 2016
Sanchez gets punished for trying to stay on his feet…
— Sheldon Porteous (@Shelzzy92) March 19, 2016
Players blasted for going down to easy from contact. Sanchez tries to stay on his feet & play on. No advantage. Blasted for “not” going down
— Luke Aldridge (@_LukeAldridge) March 19, 2016
Penalty not given. Sanchez punished for being too honest and you wonder why people throw themselves to ground.
— Pablo (@AFCAMDEN) March 19, 2016
sanchez didn’t get the penalty because he stayed on his feet and didn’t do a clever fall, what even is this?!
— Barry Gill (@Barrypal) March 19, 2016
So the way Sanchez fell down dictates whether or not it’s a penalty, rather than him actually having been fouled? Interesting. #bbcfootball
— Darren G (@godfrdr) March 19, 2016