Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has claimed that either both penalties should’ve been awarded or neither, when speaking exclusively to Arsenal Insider, during the clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid.
It came during a chaotic first half at the Bernabeu between the two sides, with a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League up for grabs.
Arsenal held a 3-0 lead over Real Madrid heading into the tie and were looking to seal the deal, despite talks of a potential comeback.
There was controversy to come as the Gunners were awarded a spot kick for a foul on Mikel Merino, with a check from VAR overturning the original decision.
Bukayo Saka missed the penalty, missing out on a chance to extend the lead to four goals on aggregate.
While one penalty kick was awarded, a second was given at the end as Declan Rice was adjudged to be holding Kylian Mbappe.
That was later overturned after a lengthy VAR check, giving Arsenal a much-needed reprieve at that moment.
Mark Clattenburg gives verdict on Mikel Merino penalty
There were questions over the decisions made by referee Francois Letexier on the night, who made some bold calls.
The first of which came after a VAR call against Raul Asensio for persistent grabbing on Mikel Merino in the box.
For some, it was a soft call, while Arsenal fans would’ve been pleased to see the decision go in their favour.
On the penalty decision, Mark Clattenburg exclusively told Arsenal Insider: “What a first half and a half that had some major taking points.
“First of all is the penalty award to Arsenal for a potential foul at the corner on Merino by Asensio.
“I don’t believe this is a foul as the ball is nowhere near the players and the ball goes to the goalkeeper, and I believe Merino is making more of the contact to make the referee make a decision.
“This decision will split a lot of opinions, but if you receive it, you’re happy and unhappy to be given against. The best decision for the referee is to play on and be more proactive at future corners.”
The resulting penalty being missed by Bukayo Saka came as a huge blow to the side and left the door slightly open for the home side.
They thought there was a chance, just moments later, to get back into the tie after another big penalty award.
Mark Clattenburg gives verdict on Kylian Mbappe penalty overturned by VAR
Moments after the initial penalty award for Arsenal, the referee looked to level it up as he gave one to Real Madrid.
Declan Rice was viewed to be holding onto Kylian Mbappe before a lengthy VAR check on the foul.
It was eventually overturned by checking the screen, a decision that left Mark Clattenburg baffled for one reason.
He exclusively told Arsenal Insider on the second penalty: “The second penalty award is also a one that will split opinions, and Mbappe was very similar in contact with Rice as the penalty that was given earlier to Arsenal.
“Either both penalties should be given or both not given. I believe neither should be given, and therefore, the referee gets consistency.
“It feels as a neutral that one was given and the other was not for similar offences, and this feels unfair!
“Both have not resulted in goals, so therefore there feels like there is justice, and therefore it does not affect the score at this moment.”
It suggests that the lack of consistency may have helped Arsenal in either incident, though it ultimately didn’t impact the balance of the tie at the time.
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