Arsenal vs Bayern Munich: Controversial penalty decisions in Champions League draw

Controversial penalty decisions mar Arsenal vs Bayern Munich Champions League clash, leaving fans and pundits divided on referee's calls.

In a thrilling night of Champions League action at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal faced Bayern Munich in a quarter-final first leg that ended in a 2-2 draw. The match was filled with controversy as both teams felt aggrieved by penalty decisions that went against them.

The Gunners fought back from a 2-1 deficit to level the score through substitute Leandro Trossard. However, late in stoppage time, Bukayo Saka was brought down by Manuel Neuer inside the box, leading to loud appeals for a penalty from the home fans. Referee Glenn Nyberg waved away the protests, much to the dismay of the Arsenal players and fans.

Former Tottenham striker Harry Kane had earlier scored a penalty for Bayern Munich, but Arsenal manager Thomas Tuchel believed his team should have been awarded another spot-kick. Tuchel pointed to an incident where Gabriel handled the ball after an Arsenal goal-kick, but the referee did not give the penalty.

The decision not to award a penalty to Arsenal left pundits and fans divided. Some, like Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown, believed it was a clear penalty, while others, like Matthew Upson and Michael Brown, thought Saka had initiated the contact and it was not a foul.

Bayern Munich also had a penalty claim turned down when David Raya took a quick goal-kick to Gabriel after the referee had blown his whistle. Tuchel felt that Gabriel handled the ball, but the referee did not agree.

The match ended in controversy and frustration for both teams, with neither side able to capitalize on the penalty decisions that went against them. The debate over the penalties will continue, but one thing is clear - the match was a rollercoaster of emotions for both sets of fans.

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