Tensions ran high at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal’s Champions League encounter with Paris Saint-Germain was marred by a moment of major controversy that clearly unsettled manager Mikel Arteta, leading to a fiery exchange with one of his assistant coaches.
The contentious episode unfolded in the 37th minute, just as Arsenal began gaining momentum.
During a swift counterattack, the ball reached Mikel Merino inside the PSG box.
With fans on the edge of their seats, Merino attempted to fire a shot, but just as he pulled the trigger, PSG midfielder João Neves appeared to clip him.
The contact seemed evident on the replay, showing Neves striking Merino’s foot instead of the ball.
The Arsenal man went down in agony, but to the astonishment of players and spectators alike, the referee signaled for play to continue, dismissing what many believed was a clear penalty.
The decision sparked immediate outrage across the Emirates.
Boos rang out from all corners of the stadium, with fans expressing their disbelief.
On the touchline, Mikel Arteta erupted in frustration.
Television cameras captured the visibly enraged Arsenal boss engaged in a heated back-and-forth with a member of his coaching staff.
Animated and clearly incensed, Arteta used his hands to mimic the challenge, pointing toward the penalty area and raising three fingers — possibly referencing repeated officiating oversights.
The assistant coach, however, seemed more composed and possibly unconvinced by Arteta’s interpretation.
His calm demeanor contrasted with Arteta’s fiery response, and their exchange, though silent to viewers, was intense and filled with passionate gestures.
This rare public disagreement between members of Arsenal’s technical team highlighted just how significant the moment felt.
Arteta’s frustration soon turned toward the fourth official, as he demanded an explanation and pointed angrily in the direction of the VAR monitor.
But his appeals were in vain; no review was called, and the match continued without interruption.
Merino, meanwhile, needed treatment on the pitch and, although able to continue, appeared to be hampered for the rest of the half.
His visible anger suggested not only physical discomfort but also a sense of injustice.
Online, the backlash was swift and strong. Arsenal supporters flooded social media with replays and commentary, making #MerinoPenalty and #ArtetaRage trend rapidly.
Former referee Mark Clattenburg weighed in, asserting during halftime that the incident warranted a penalty, citing the visible contact and Merino’s legitimate reaction.
Despite regaining his composure, Arteta knew a vital chance had slipped away.
The controversial call denied Arsenal an opportunity to level the score before halftime — a moment that could be pivotal in this two-legged Champions League tie.
As the second half began, Arsenal pushed forward with renewed urgency, but the echoes of that missed call lingered.
The crowd grew louder every time their team approached PSG’s box, desperate for the referee to make amends.
The incident has reignited debate over VAR’s reliability in high-stakes matches.
Questions remain: why didn’t the referee review the footage?
Was there a communication failure, or was the foul simply ignored?
Regardless, Arteta and Arsenal now carry that frustration into the return leg in Paris — a match that may be shaped as much by what wasn’t given as by what was.
