Social media reacts to controversial incident at the Hawthorns

An 89th-minute penalty from Jay Rodriguez denied Arsene Wenger a crucial three points on his record-breaking 811th Premier League game in charge of the Gunners.

Mike Dean is at the centre of attention after he awarded a handball against Calum Chambers; a decision which is proving to be extremely contentious.

The decision has sent social media into meltdown, with the majority claiming the decision was a poor one.

FT: West Brom 1-1 Arsenal
Alexis Sanchez looked to have secured Arsenal three points, only to be denied by a late penalty, converted by Rodriguez.

The Chilean found the net from a sweetly struck free-kick which found it’s way under the wall and past Ben Foster.

Up until that point, the Gunners had been the side most worthy of taking the spoils, but ultimately, it was far from their finest display.

Former Arsenal man Kieran Gibbs came back to haunt his old side, as his cross struck the arm of Chambers inside the box.

The controversy comes from the position of the 22-year-old’s arm, which appeared to not be in an unnatural position.

The late equaliser costs Arsenal a big three points, allowing North London counterparts Tottenham the chance to move two points clear with a win on Tuesday over Swansea.

Social media react

Penalty shouldn’t disguise the fact that we were absolutely woeful.

— Darren (@DarrenArsenal1) December 31, 2017

Wow wow how is that a penalty !!! Terrible decision ! Handball ,, ridiculous

— Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) December 31, 2017

Not a penalty in a million years. #WBA #AFC

— Arlo White (@arlowhite) December 31, 2017

Penalty decision clearly a disgrace, but the bigger problem was such a poor performance against a team in 20th place. Nowhere near good enough

— REDaction Gooners (@REDactionAFC) December 31, 2017

The most telling part of that penalty decision was when Mike Dean mimed what he saw with his elbow raised up by the side of his head. Ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/cU4RsWtzUk

— Jonathan Fisher (@fishplums) December 31, 2017

#OneOfOurOwn pic.twitter.com/opNOjfPo1c

— Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) December 31, 2017

Gibbs didn’t even appeal . It’s corrupt . All about him. So what he is saying is kick the ball at someone’s arm and it’s a penalty . Needs to be investigated

— Tim Hardwicke (@Arselona) December 31, 2017

Watford. Man City. West Brom. Stoke.

Terribling penalty decisions against Arsenal. Shambles.

— Mark 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@_The12thMan) December 31, 2017