When Arsenal's quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich ended 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, it was an honor even on a monumental night in the Champions League – but a cry for a penalty was enough for them Will both teams be upset that they are at a disadvantage?
The Gunners fought back to level the score from 2-1 thanks to substitute Leandro Trossard, but late in stoppage time Bukayo Saka was brought down after a challenge from Manuel Neuer in the penalty area.
The home fans screamed for a penalty, but all their pleas were overruled by referee Glenn Nyberg, and the final whistle was soon blown to a chorus of boos.
“It looked like a penalty to me, it looked like clear contact,” Trossard told TNT Sports.
Former Tottenham striker Harry Kane put Bayern ahead with a first-half penalty, but manager Thomas Tuchel revealed after the game that he felt his team should have been awarded another spot-kick.
It involved a strange incident in which Gabriel felt he had handled the ball after an Arsenal goal kick had been taken.
“In a bit of a crazy and awkward situation, the referee today didn't have the courage to give a well-deserved penalty,” he said.
“What we are really upset about is the explanation on the field. He told our players that this was a child's mistake and that they would not give a penalty like this in the quarter-finals. ”
So who should feel the most grief?
'Unbelievable' Arsenal didn't receive a penalty
Late in stoppage time, Saka looked set to seal a dramatic victory in the quarter-final first leg as he ran into the box and evaded the onrushing Neuer, but he crashed into the Bayern Munich goalkeeper's right leg and fell. did.
The Arsenal forward stood up expecting to be awarded a spot-kick, but was furious that the referee waved him off, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene.
The decision not to award a penalty left TNT Sports pundits Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown in disbelief.
“Why wasn't it given to me?'' said former Manchester United defender Ferdinand. “I can't believe it wasn't given, considering VAR and everything else.
“He's running through and it's a penalty. I'm in the stadium and I can't believe it. I'm walking around with my hands on my head in disbelief.”
Former Arsenal defender Keown added: “If there were 10 of Europe's top referees here tonight, nine of them would have given a penalty. This referee was the only one who didn't give a penalty. He gave a penalty. I think it's very worrying that there wasn't.”
“Neuer's movement toward the ball…that's enough.”
But not everyone agreed.
Former Arsenal centre-back Matthew Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “In the end I think it was the right decision not to award a penalty.”
“My first instinct is that I have to give it, but when I look at the replays it looks like Bukayo Saka initiated the contact. Manuel Neuer makes the break as he flies out and at the end Saka almost kicks him. became.”
“It was a really good call from the referee under incredible pressure.”
Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown said: “I have to say here that this is not a penalty.
“I like him [Saka] How I am as a player and how he is, but he is going to make a decision on this. His feet are out in an unnatural position and his stride is not natural. ”
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta chose not to weigh in, saying: “They have looked at it and decided it was not a penalty.”
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“I was adamant that there was an Arsenal penalty, but even more so on this one.”
Bayern's penalty claim stemmed from an even more unusual incident.
During the second half, Gunners goalkeeper David Raya had a goal kick short to Gabriel after the referee blew his whistle.
The Brazilian player did not appear to hear the whistle, but chose to pick up the ball to take another goal kick.
Tuchel added: “He touched the ball with his hand thinking it was not in-game, but it was in-game and the referee confirmed it was in-game and a handball.”
“It's very frustrating.”
Ferdinand understood Tuchel's frustration and said: “I was adamant about Saka's penalty but I'm even more for this. It's unbelievable.”
“Bayern Munich's penalty is even worse than Arsenal's.''
Mr Keown added: “You can't argue with something that's indefensible and the referee was probably a bit out of line.”
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