Despite dominating the match, Arsenal was forced to a 2-2 draw by Bayern after 90 minutes of play. Arsenal will host Bayern Munich in the first leg of the 2023/24 Champions League quarter-finals early this morning, April 10. Arsenal’s two goals came from Bukayo Saka (12′) and Leandro Trossard (76′), whereas Bayern’s were scored by Serge Gnabry (18′) and Harry Kane (32′ penalty). 

In the final ball situation, Saka connected with Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s outstretched legs in the penalty area. The winger quickly fell, but referee Glenn Nyberg deemed Saka had actively caused the incident, therefore he denied the penalty, much to the chagrin of many Arsenal fans.

After the game, Saka raced to referee Glenn Nyberg to complain, pointing to his foot that had made contact with Neuer. Albert Stuivenberg, Arsenal’s assistant coach, arrived soon and pulled Saka away, leaving him with a disappointed wave. The above penalty rejection sparked heated debate, with many differing viewpoints. Ally McCoist of TNT Sports commented, “Saka really felt it was a penalty. But I believe Saka also served a function in this case.”

 Former footballer Martin Keown yelled, “If you had ten top referees here tonight, nine of them would give a penalty.” Glenn Nyberg was the only person who did not provide it. That alarms me.” Meanwhile, after the match, Bayern attacker Harry Kane said, “It was a 50/50 situation.” If Saka were on my team, I’d call it a penalty.” A supporter also stated: “Thinking carefully, Saka should have kιcked the ball into the net instead of deciding to kιck Neuer in the shin.”