Why offside Kai Havertz should have been awarded a penalty for Arsenal

Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Hull City featured significant referee controversy after referee Farai Hallam declined to award a penalty to Kai Havertz. Hallam confirmed that Hull defender Nobel Mendy committed a holding offence in the 43rd minute, but gave Hull City a free-kick because Havertz was in an offside position. Martin Odegaard later scored the second-half winner to send Arsenal six points clear atop the Premier League.

Former Premier League referee Darren Cann suggested that Arsenal should have been awarded the penalty under the laws of the game. Cann explained that if an offside player is fouled while moving toward the ball before actively playing it, the foul takes precedence over the offside position. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed surprise at the decision and called for greater clarity on the rule's interpretation.