VAR CONTROVERSY: Major reason why Arsenal player Bukayo Saka Arsenal penalty was unjustly denied a penalty during Arsenal vs Bayern Munich UEFA champions League match

Tuesday night marked the enthralling first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal between Arsenal and Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium. Europe’s preeminent competition has developed a reputation for producing exhilarating matches, and the North London match was no exception.

Both matches played that evening were, in fact, spectacles. Concurrently with Arsenal and Bayern’s 2-2 stalemate at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid and Manchester City played to a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Despite this, the Emirates Stadium match was not devoid of controversy.

Harry Kane, according to some, ought to have been dismissed for what appeared to be an elbow to Gabriel Magalhaes. It was in his neck, not his face, and it appeared that he was utilizing the Arsenal defender’s leverage to get out of the way rather than intending harm.

Nevertheless, the replays were unfavorable, and the former Tottenham player can consider himself fortunate that VAR did not intervene. The absence of VAR participation was destined to become a recurring motif.

Additionally, Gabriel was implicated in a second incident that infuriated Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel. A goal-kick appeared to be taken by David Raya after the referee sounded his whistle. Gabriel then touched the ball with his palms before setting it down to take a personal goal-kick, unaware that Raya had already done so.

The Bayern players could not believe it and demanded a penalty kick from the referee, while Tuchel raced frantically on the touchline. VAR did not intervene once more.

Then, with what appeared to be the final shot of the match, Bukayo Saka cleared the crossbar and was brought down by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The inquiry pertains to who instigated the communication that did occur. Once more, VAR expressed no opinion, and the final score stood at 2-2.

If the Harry Kane incident is disregarded, there are two penalty decisions to examine—one for each team, excluding the penalty awarded to Bayern for Leroy Sane’s foul by William Saliba. Both were potential penalties. Both were, in fact, not provided.

Additionally, there are likely two valid reasons why Saka’s spot-kick was not awarded. Let’s begin by examining the Gabriel penalty incident. Tuchel stated after the match that the referee acknowledged the error, stating, “He saw the situation and concluded that a penalty kick is not warranted for this error, for a child’s mistake; he admitted he was aware of the error the player committed, which is somewhat frustrating.”

Whether rightly or wrongly, Glenn Nyberg did not want to assess a penalty for such a foolish action in a game of this significance. Although he ought to have followed the letter of the law, he chose not to risk his decision potentially determining the outcome of a Champions League quarterfinal.

Consequently, the Saka penalty incident ensued. Did he have the Gabriel predicament in mind as Saka passed through? Logically, perhaps. He would find it difficult to refrain from thinking about it at that moment.

Furthermore, the time remaining on the clock was 23 seconds when Saka went to ground. An additional instance of Nyberg’s reluctance to make a decision that could significantly alter the tenor of a massive match.

Obviously, he is present to make these decisions, and he has already done so: disregard both and proceed. It sets the stage for a highly compelling second leg next week at the Allianz Arena.