Sydney dudded as Arsenal get contentious penalty

Sydney FC were left fuming after an incorrect decision gifted Arsenal a controversial penalty in their match at ANZ Stadium on Thursday night.

Arsenal had looked destined to double their lead early in the second half after sloppy defending saw Sydney give the ball away to Danny Welbeck inside their own goal box.

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The former Manchester United forward squared to Theo Walcott whose shot seemed to strike the arm of Sydney defender Seb Ryall.

The referee pointed to the spot to the dismay of the home side, who protested vehemently against the decision.

Replays showed the Sky Blues had every right to feel aggrieved, with the ball clearly striking the back, not the arm, of the Sydney man.

Justice was perhaps served after Danny Welbeck’s spot kick was beaten away by Sky Blues’ keeper Andrew Redmayne.

Arsenal went into the second half with a 1-0 lead after Per Mertesacker opened the scoring with a clever flick in the fourth minute of the match.

The Gunners also play Western Sydney Wanderers at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night as part of their Australian tour.