Arsenal were facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest when a controversial first-half incident threatened to change the game.
PSG were appealing for a handball penalty against Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, with the referee choosing not to point to the spot following the incident.
VAR reviewed the decision and agreed with the on-field referee, meaning no penalty was awarded to the French club during the first half.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown was on punditry duty for TNT Sports and offered his clear verdict on why the correct call had been made.
“Nope. I think the referee has a fantastic view of it,” Keown said. “We have seen penalties given in the Champions League for less than that this season, but it’s not in the spirit. He just throws his arm at it.”
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was alongside Keown in the studio and aligned himself with the former Arsenal defender’s assessment of the situation.
“Even from a bias Liverpool point of view, I don’t think that’s a pen,” Gerrard said.
Ally McCoist was on commentary duty for TNT Sports and also dismissed the penalty appeal in characteristically direct fashion.
“No, not for me. I mean, I think it’s accidental, I don’t think there’s any advantage at all, he’s not seeking any advantage,” McCoist said. “I don’t think Paris Saint-Germain really would’ve got any advantage, I don’t think we want to see penalties for that, just my opinion.”
Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was also present on punditry duty for TNT Sports, adding his own verdict to the growing consensus among the panel.
“You don’t want to see them given, not a penalty for me,” Wilshere said.
Arsenal had taken an early lead in the final through a sublime strike from Kai Havertz, who was named in Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up ahead of teammate Viktor Gyokeres.
PSG were eventually awarded a penalty in the second half for a foul by Cristhian Mosquera on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, drawing the Ligue 1 side level in the final.
Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele converted from the spot to equalise for PSG and set up a tense conclusion to the Champions League showpiece in Budapest.
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