The penalty awarded against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid was reportedly not awarded in the Premier League. The entire HBO Max commentary team agreed that the penalty given to Ben White was severe.
But Darren Fletcher, Ally McCoist and Steven Gerrard all agreed that the spot-kick awarded during the thrilling 5-on-4 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich on Tuesday night forced VAR to make that ruling. In Paris, PSG were given a controversial chance from 12 yards out, but Alphonso Davies was adjudged to have deliberately handballed Ousmane Dembele’s cross, allowing Dembele to score.
Just 24 hours later, with Arsenal leading 1-0, White was the culprit. The shot from the edge of the box hit the floor and bounced off into the arm of a defender.
Atlético’s players immediately appealed, but their appeal was initially dismissed by referee Danny McCarey. However, he was immediately told to go to the pitchside VAR monitor and the decision was reversed.
And just as Víctor Goqueres scored the opener, there was no doubt the moment Julian Álvarez darted past David Raya.
However, Steven Gerrard said on TNT Sports commentary: “When your arm is away from your body, even if it’s not intentional, I think it’s a penalty at this level, in this competition. I don’t think it’s a penalty in the Premier League, but oh well.”
Co-commentator McCoist added: “Was there any contact on his left foot? I doubt it. I don’t think so. I really don’t like it. I don’t know if there was any contact on his left foot.”
McCoist later noticed contact with White’s hand and agreed with Gerrard’s view.
Jamie Carragher posted on social media: “The Champions League is by far the best of football, but the decision to award a penalty like this for handball is a real stain on the game. Last night was much worse, but it should not have been the penalty against White.”
Arsenal were awarded their own spot-kick in the first half when Gokeres was pushed to the floor by David Hanko after some fine work from Martin Zvimendi and Martin Odegaard.
But despite furious protests from the home players, there was little room for complaint until the Swede dusted himself off and put the Gunners in the lead.
However, Arsenal themselves were controversially denied a second penalty as Eberechi Eze went down under another challenge from Hanko.
The referee initially flagged the spot, but after a lengthy VAR delay, he overturned his initial decision, infuriating Mikel Arteta and his team.
