Why Arsenal Were Not Awarded a Penalty Against PSG in the Champions League Final
- Arsenal's Champions League final defeat explained after penalty controversy against PSG during extra time
- Referee Daniel Siebert and VAR opted against awarding a penalty for Noni Madueke's fall in the box
- Former referee Graham Scott defends officials' decision, stating insufficient evidence to overturn the original call
- Ghanaian sports journalist Derrick Ayim criticised the referee for not consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR)
The reason Arsenal were denied a penalty during extra time of their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain has now been explained.
The Gunners lost 4-3 on penalties to the reigning European champions in Budapest after the match finished 1-1 following extra time.
Source: Getty Images
Arsenal made a dream start when Kai Havertz fired home from close range after just six minutes.
PSG responded in the second half through Ousmane Dembélé, who converted from the penalty spot in the 65th minute after Cristian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inside the area.
The final eventually went to a penalty shootout. Arsenal's Eberechi Eze and PSG defender Nuno Mendes both missed from the spot before Gabriel Magalhães blasted Arsenal’s decisive penalty over the crossbar.
The miss sparked jubilant celebrations among PSG players as they secured a second consecutive Champions League title.
Arsenal penalty appeal denied
However, the outcome could have been very different had a controversial incident during the first half of extra time been judged another way.
Arsenal players appealed for a penalty when Noni Madueke went down inside the box following a challenge from Mendes after bursting into the area.
Mendes appeared to pull Madueke to the ground, but there were questions over whether the Arsenal winger had initiated contact by locking his arm around the PSG defender. There were also doubts about whether there was enough contact to justify a penalty award.
Referee Daniel Siebert and the VAR team decided against awarding a spot-kick, allowing play to continue.
Former Referee Backs Officials
Former Premier League referee Graham Scott has since defended the decision made by the officials.
Now working as an analyst for The Athletic, Scott explained why he agreed with the call.
“There will be plenty of comments along the line of ‘I've seen them given’, and I doubt a VAR would have seen enough to overturn a penalty had one been awarded.
“But ultimately I would rather defend the referee for keeping out of this one than try to build a defence had he succumbed to pressure and pointed to the spot.”
According to Scott, the incident did not provide enough evidence for VAR to intervene, meaning the on-field decision to wave play on was the correct outcome.
Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Ghanaian sports journalist, Derrick Ayim has blamed the referee for Arsenal's loss against Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with YEN.com.gh, Ayim said winning the Premier League has covered up for the loss of the Champions League. He said:
"The referee had the power to review the foul against Arsenal, but he remained adamant. Last night's result was bitter and not what we expected, but we have moved on because it was not meant to be ours.
"Winning the EPL was a big achievement, but to do a double would have been so nice. No banter from haters would affect us because we are ahead of you in winning the EPL already. "Let's all begin next season and see who will be happy again at the end. Gunners, well done for standing firm throughout the season."
How Prophet Testimony's PSG prediction came true
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Prophet Clement Testimony predicted PSG would beat Arsenal in the Champions League final.
Arsenal eventually lost 4-3 on penalties, while the clergyman said his football predictions reflect God's influence in all areas of life.
Source: YEN.com.gh
