There is an argument that if both teams and fans are equally furious with the referee, then they have probably done something right.
That certainly appears to be the case after Arsenal and Bayern Munich drew 2-2 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
It was the second draw of the day, after Manchester City and Real Madrid played a vibrant 3-3 match, during which both teams led for long stretches of the match before a stunning low volley from Federico Valverde squared the score in the minute 79. at the Bernabéu.
In London, the Gunners were furious after Bukayo Saka collided with Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the box in the final minutes of stoppage time, but the referee decided not to award what would likely have been a decisive penalty.
Despite the dramatic moment and high-speed contact, the decision was not easy.
Former England defender Matthew Upson said on BBC coverage that “it looks like Bukayo Saka has initiated contact”, and slow-motion replays showed the Arsenal striker left his right leg behind him to ensure contact with Neuer, who was attacking. He closed the offensive attack and did not touch the ball.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and a host of players spread their arms in disbelief, and Saka continued to plead his case after the final whistle.
It was a change of scene midway through the second half, when the German giants were denied a penalty in what even Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel admitted was “a crazy, uncomfortable situation.”
Already leading 2-1 after a sliding goal from Serge Gnabry and a penalty from Harry Kane beat Saka’s shot, the Bayern players watched in disbelief as Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya pushed a goal kick past centre-back Gabriel , only for the Brazilian to collect the ball. and he placed it again on the edge of the six-yard box to repeat the shot.
As Arsenal would do 30 minutes later, the visitors called for a penalty, but referee Glenn Nyberg was unfazed.
Tuchel said he felt “a lot of small decisions” went against his team and suggested Nyberg may have felt pressured by London’s partisan crowd, telling broadcaster TNT that Nyberg “didn’t have the courage to give a penalty.” deserved”.
“He made a big mistake by not giving a penalty,” Tuchel said of the Gabriel incident in his post-match press conference.
“I know it’s a crazy situation. What really makes us angry is the explanation on the field.
“He told our players that it is a child’s mistake and that he will not award a penalty like this in the quarterfinals.
“This is a horrible, horrible explanation because it means you’re judging whether handball is a child’s mistake or an adult’s mistake or whatever.
“We feel angry because it is a huge decision against us.”
Leandro Trossard tied the game at 2-2 in the 76th minute, ensuring both teams start level for the second leg in Germany next week, as will Manchester City when they host Real Madrid in a week’s time.
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