Bayern Munich’s coach was furious when the referee overlooked a deserving penalty situation.

Bayern Munich drew 2-2 away at Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on April 9th. In this match, Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 in the 32nd minute. After the match, coach Thomas Tuchel stated that Bayern Munich deserved another penalty.

Bayern Munich’s coach believes the referee failed to award a penalty when Arsenal’s player, Gabriel, handled the ball inside the penalty area. Specifically, in the 66th minute, goalkeeper Raya passed the ball to Gabriel inside the 18-yard box. At that moment, Gabriel used his left hand to control the ball before placing it down. However, referee Glenn Nyberg allowed the game to continue.

Coach Tuchel spoke out: “For me, he (the referee) made a big mistake by not awarding a penalty when an Arsenal player handled the ball. I know it was a crazy situation, but the Arsenal goalkeeper put the ball down. The referee blew his whistle, the Arsenal goalkeeper passed the ball, and Gabriel held the ball in his hands.”

“What really makes us angry is the explanation on the field. The referee told our players that it was a ‘childish mistake’ and that he wouldn’t give a penalty like this in a quarter-final match,” Tuchel emphasized.

“This is a terrible explanation, truly terrible. He’s judging on the mistake of playing the ball with the hand. A childish mistake, an adult mistake, there’s no difference here. We feel angry because it’s an important decision against us,” declared Bayern Munich’s coach.

Former player Rio Ferdinand commented: “That was a clear penalty. How could the referee overlook that situation? I believe Saka was fouled at the end of the second half as well, and Arsenal deserved a penalty in that situation. I even believe there should have been a penalty for the handball incident. It’s unbelievable that the referee didn’t give a penalty. How could he blow the whistle and then refuse such a situation?”

Tuchel could not believe the professional weakness of the referees

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown stated: “This is an indefensible decision. Perhaps the referee lacked the ability to make the right judgment. Overall, the referee had a good game, but there were crucial situations that both teams could complain about being overlooked.”

Coach Mikel Arteta commented on Saka’s fall in the penalty area after contact with Neuer: “I didn’t see that situation. The decision has been made, and we can’t change it. I can sympathize with Saka’s reaction because he believed it should have been a penalty. In the Champions League, you can’t be lenient with opponents. We conceded two goals today. The opponents will punish us when they have the chance. That’s the biggest lesson.”

“I believe Arsenal will have a chance to win when they visit Bayern Munich. We need to play better in some aspects. Arsenal will prepare thoroughly for the second leg,” added Coach Arteta.