Former West Ham United forward Paolo Di Canio has now taken aim at one Arsenal star for something he did against Bayern Munich.
The 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Bayern Munich on Tuesday night was studded with incident and controversies.
Both side feel that they should have had a penalty. Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand was shocked that Arsenal were not awarded a spot-kick when Bukayo Saka went down in the Bayern Munich penalty area late on in the match.
On top of that, many Arsenal fans were convinced that Harry Kane should have been shown a red card for his elbow on Gabriel Magalhaes.
There were defensive errors, missed chances, and fascinating tactical duels in what was a thrilling encounter in this Champions League quarter-final first-leg match.
Bukayo Saka penalty shout goes against Arsenal v Bayern Munich
However, Mikel Arteta will feel that his side ought to have emerged victorious. Both of the goals that the Gunners conceded were avoidable. The Arsenal defence has been in astonishing form this season, but nerves seemed to get the better of them in the first half against Bayern Munich.
This is perhaps understandable, as none of the back four that started this game for Arsenal have featured in a Champions League quarter-final before. The North London club have not made it to this stage in Europe’s elite club competition in the last 14 years.
The Spanish coach will also feel that Saka should have been awarded a penalty right at the death. As the winger beat Manuel Neuer to the ball in the box, he was able to knock the ball beyond the German goalkeeper, and there was certainly then contact between the players, sending the Arsenal man to the ground.
Paolo Di Canio blasts Bukayo Saka over penalty claim
However, there is a view that the Hale End academy graduate put his own leg out towards Neuer in search of said contact. Arsenal legend Ian Wright was not convinced that Saka was fouled.
Paolo Di Canio has now had his say on the situation. Speaking on Sky Sports Italia, the ex-Premier League star did not pull any punches as he took aim at Saka for trying to force contact with the Bayern Munich shot-stopper.
The Italian said, “he moves blatantly the leg towards Neuer, it’s never a penalty. He didn’t behave as an experienced player. He behaved like a baby with no experience.”