Was Arsenal cheated out of a penalty in the drama against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinal? Opinions are divided.
Six minutes into stoppage time, Saka poked the ball past Bayern’s keeper Manuel Neuer before crashing to the ground.
The TV footage showed there was contact. After the match, Saka marched over to head referee Glenn Nyberg, visibly frustrated at not being awarded a penalty.
“There was clearly contact there at least. It’s possible to blow the whistle on that,” Martin Ødegaard said after being shown the replay during his interview with Norwegian TV 2.
“It looked like a penalty and clear contact. We’re not satisfied, but when you’re down 1–2 at halftime, you’ll take a draw,” said Arsenal’s savior, Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal took the lead through Saka, but fell behind 1–2 after two defensive errors. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta got a good result when he brought on Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard – and it took them ten minutes to combine for a 2-2.
TNT expert Rio Ferdinand believes the London club should have been awarded a penalty and the chance to complete the turnaround.
“I can’t believe it wasn’t called. It’s a clear penalty. I’m in disbelief,” said the Manchester United legend.
When Glenn Nyberg blew the final whistle, some may have thought it was to review the penalty situation on the VAR screen. But no, the game was actually over.
“I think it was correct not to award a penalty,” BBC expert Matt Upson said, according to VG.
“Your first thought is that it’s a penalty, but after watching the replay, it looks like Saka is seeking contact. Neuer slows down as he runs out, and it’s Saka who almost kicks him in the end. A really good decision by the referee under incredible pressure.”
Arsenal legend Martin Keown disagrees with his compatriot.
“I find it quite alarming that it wasn’t given as a penalty,” Keown, who was an expert for TNT Sports on Tuesday, said.
