A Tale Of Two Disallowed Penalties: Arsenal And Bayern Munich Left Fuming

Arsenal and Bayern Munich played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday but both sides left the field feeling aggrieved at not having penalties awarded them.

Apr 10, 2024 - 08:53
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A Tale Of Two Disallowed Penalties: Arsenal And Bayern Munich Left Fuming

Bukayo Saka had given the Gunners the lead before former Arsenal forward Serge Gnabry levelled matters, and Harry Kane gave the visitors the lead from the spot after William Saliba felled Leroy Sane.

Substitute Leandro Trossard brought Mikel Arteta's side level in the second half.

In the 66th minute, Arsenal defender Gabriel picked up the ball with his hands following a goal kick by goalkeeper David Raya and restarted play again, leaving Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel fuming.

“The referee made a huge mistake,” said Tuchel.

“I know it was a crazy situation. They put the ball down, he whistles and the defender takes the ball with his hands.

“What makes us really angry is the explanation on the pitch. He told our players it was a ‘kid’s mistake’ and he won’t give a penalty for that in a Champions League quarter-final.

“It’s a horrible, horrible explanation. Kid’s mistake, adult’s mistake, whatever – we feel angry because it was a huge decision against us.”

With virtually the last action of the game, Saka was put through on goal but went down in the box after coming into contact with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Again, Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg was firm in his decision not to award a spot kick and shortly blew the final whistle.

"How has that not been given?" said ex-Manchester United defender Ferdinand. "I can't believe, with VAR and everything, that's not been given.

"He's running through and that's a penalty. I'm in the stadium and I can't believe it - I'm walking around in disbelief with my hands on top of my head."

Former Arsenal defender Keown added: "If you had 10 top European referees here tonight, nine of them would've given it. This referee is the only one who hasn't given it - I find it quite alarming he's not given that penalty.

"Neuer's movement towards the ball... that's enough to give it."