It was an honor even on Tuesday’s memorable Champions League night at the Emirates Stadium, when Arsenal’s quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich ended 2-2. But can each side feel offended that penalties are being awarded against them?
The Gunners managed to come back from 2-1 down thanks to substitute Leandro Trossard, but in stoppage time Bukayo Saka went down in the penalty area after a shot by Manuel Neuer.
The home fans called for a penalty kick, but referee Glenn Nyberg rejected all requests and blew the final whistle shortly afterwards to choruses of boos.
“For me it looked like a penalty, clean contact,” Trossard told TNT Sports.
Former Tottenham striker Harry Kane scored a penalty in the first half to put Bayern ahead, but manager Thomas Tuchel revealed after the match that he believed his team must have been awarded one other penalty.
This had to do with a bizarre incident where he felt Gabriel was holding the ball after an Arsenal goal kick.
“The referee didn’t have the courage today to award us a deserved penalty in a pretty crazy and awkward situation,” he said.
“What really annoys us are the explanations on the pitch. He told our players that it was a childish mistake and he would not give such a penalty in the quarterfinals.
So who should feel the most wronged?
‘Disbelief’ Arsenal were denied a penalty
In added time, Saka seemed poised for a dramatic victory in the first leg of the quarter-finals when he ran into the penalty area and passed the onrushing Neuer, but fell after making contact with the Bayern Munich goalkeeper’s right leg.
The Arsenal striker stood up, expecting to be awarded a penalty, but instead became furious that the referee ordered play to continue and the video assistant referee (VAR) also failed to intervene.
The decision not to award a penalty left TNT Sports experts Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown in disbelief.
“How was this not given?” said former Manchester United defender Ferdinand. “I can’t believe that with VAR and everything, something like that wasn’t given.
“He runs through and it’s a penalty. I’m in the stadium and I can’t believe it. I walk around in disbelief with my hands on my head.”
Former Arsenal defender Keown added: “If you had the 10 best referees in Europe here tonight, nine of them would admit it. This judge was the only one who didn’t give it. I find it quite disturbing that he did not award such a penalty.
“Neuer’s movement towards the ball… is enough to give him his all.”
But not everyone agreed.
Former Arsenal centre-back Matthew Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think it was the right decision not to award a penalty in the end.
“At first you think it has to be given, but on the replay it looks like Bukayo Saka initiated the contact. Manuel Neuer runs off the pitch, makes breaks, and Saka almost kicks him at the end.
“A really good decision by the referee under incredible pressure.”
Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown said: “On this occasion we have to say it is not a penalty.
“I like what he has [Saka] what he does and what he is like as a player, but in this matter he tried to influence the decision. “His leg is out in an unnatural position, it’s not in his natural stride.”
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta decided to stay away from the debate, saying: “They said they checked it and decided it wasn’t a penalty.”
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“I was adamant that Arsenal were a penalty, but even more so in this case.”
Bayern’s penalty request resulted from a more odd incident.
In the second half, after the referee’s whistle, Gunners goalkeeper David Raya kicked a goal kick to Gabriel.
The Brazilian apparently didn’t hear the whistle and decided to pick up the ball to take the goal kick again.
“He touched the ball with his hand because he thought it was not in play, but it was in play and the referee admitted it was in play and it was a handball,” Tuchel added.
“Very frustrating.”
Ferdinand understood Tuchel’s frustration, saying: “I was so adamant that Saka should get a penalty, but I’m even more in favor of it. It’s unbelievable.
“Bayern Munich took an even bigger penalty than Arsenal.”
Keown added: “You cannot argue against what you possibly can’t defend and the referee was possibly just a little off the mark.”
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