'Makes us really angry': Thomas Tuchel fumes after referee doesn't award penalty for Gabriel handball incident

Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has slammed the match referee for his explanation of the Gabriel handball incident during the Champions League quarterfinal clash against Arsenal on Tuesday (Apr 9). The Arsenal defender picked the ball after a goal kick from goalkeeper David Raya but did not face any consequence for it. 

The incident happened in the 66th minute of the match when Bayern were leading 2-1 and could have added one more while playing away from home. Bayern players immediately appealed to the Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg that the ball was active but he shrugged off the protests and restarted the game. 

“The referee made a huge mistake. I know it was a crazy situation. They put the ball down, he whistles and the defender takes the ball with his hands," said a fuming Tuchel after the match. 

“What makes us really angry is the explanation on the pitch. He told our players it was a ‘kid’s mistake’ and he won’t give a penalty for that in a Champions League quarter-final," he added. 

End-to-end match

The high-octane match was played at a breakneck speed at the Emirates in London where Arsenal led in the 12th minute, courtesy of a stunning finish from Bukayo Saka. However, the current Premier League leaders could sustain the momentum as Bayern started creating overloads in the middle of the park. 

Harry Kane would drop deep, allowing the wide runners in Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane to stretch the Arsenal defence. The pressure from the visitors resulted in an error from Gabriel and Bayern equalised the tie six minutes later through Gnabry. In the 32nd minute, Saliba fouled Sane in the box and the referee pointed to the spot which was converted with utmost finesse by Harry Kane on his return to London. 

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After getting the lead, Arsenal stepped up on the gas but it was Bayern that created the most threatening transitional moments but could not finish them off. Arsenal substitution, Leandro Trossard, however, took the chance from a cutback by Gabriel Jesus and scored the second goal to bring his team level. 

When it looked certain that the game would finish all square, Saka got a 1v1 against Manuel Neur who fished out a leg which appeared to have tripped the Arsenal forward in the penalty box. However, the referee did not award the penalty which left the fans seething at the Emirates.  

(With inputs from agencies)