It wasn’t only Arsenal fans who fumed at referee Francois Letexier during the Gunners’ clash against Real Madrid.
The narrative of a Real Madrid comeback dominated the build-up to the game, making the fast start unsurprising.
With a place in the Champions League semi-final on the line, the stakes couldn’t have been higher for Arsenal and Los Blancos.
After only 10 minutes, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after a foul on Mikel Merino was spotted by VAR, but unfortunately, Bukayo Saka missed from the spot.
The penalty drama didn’t end there, as Letexier awarded Real Madrid a spot kick before the half-hour mark after deeming Declan Rice’s foul on Kylian Mbappe a punishable offence.
Letexier’s opinion was contrasting to those operating VAR, seeing the referee seek advice from the monitor, to the relief of Arsenal fans.
Rice was spared, and so were the Gunners, but Letexier’s early impact on the game caused quite the stir on social media.
- READ MORE: Who is the referee for Real Madrid vs Arsenal? UEFA match officials and VAR appointments revealed
Fans fume at penalty calls in Arsenal clash with Real Madrid
Though Arsenal fans have felt hard done by by officials this season, for once, luck was on the Gunners’ side.
It wasn’t only Gooners far and wide who disagreed with Letexier’s penalty call on Rice’s accused foul, as those watching the game started a discussion on X.
“THAT IS NEVER EVER EVER A PENALTY,” an Arsenal fan said, while other supporters of the North Londoners shared their thoughts.
“So that rivals don’t get it twisted, neither should be pens and this ref has been shambolic to the highest order. This won’t be the last time he messes up again.”
Other Arsenal fans chimed in, as one branded Letexier’s early performance in the game ‘dumb’.
“This ref was dumb to give it anyway, VAR took 4 mins to deliberate and the ref changed his mind thankfully. But man I did not need that lol.”
Another fumed at Mbappe for throwing himself to ground and attempting to mislead Letexier.
“Absolute nothing penalty. He’s just thrown himself over.”
After the penalty was rescinded, fans of other clubs shared their views, surprisingly being on the same side as Arsenal.
“Correct decision, it’s never a penalty. Arsenal was very very soft as well……….The ref is killing this amazing game.”
Another football supporter also blasted the referee for ruining the game.
“The ref has lost the plot here. Going to ruin the game.”
“This ref should be fired on the spot,” a Spurs fan watching the game said, as another was unimpressed by Letexier bottling the contest in the first half.
“Ref has bottled it there. In his own head. We are playing a contact sport. That is a horrendous decision.”
Penalty calls go in Arsenal’s favour
Though Saka wasn’t able to make Arsenal’s early penalty count, it was a relief to see Letexier point to the spot after a VAR review.
That being said, when a softer version of a similar grapple happened at the other end, it became a concern that the official was losing a grip of the game.
Fortunately, VAR was in Arsenal’s corner to cancel the spot kick, allowing for Gooners far and wide to breathe a sigh of relief.
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