Arsenal’s Champions League draw with Bayern Munich on Tuesday saw several controversial refereeing decisions given against both teams.
Bukayo Saka felt he was denied a penalty in the final minute of the game after colliding with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and striker Harry Kane should arguably have been sent off for an elbow on Gabriel Magalhaes.
Whilst these decisions did frustrate Arsenal, they were also on the receiving end of some good luck, as they avoided giving a penalty away when Gabriel accidentally picked the ball up in the box when the ball was in play.
The centre-back picked up a pass from David Raya to roll back to him, unaware that the whistle had blown, and Kane did express his frustration that a penalty was not given for his side to punish the mistake.
Mikel Arteta has now spoken about the incident for the first time since it was highlighted in the game, and admitted that his players need to show more focus.
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Mikel Arteta gives verdict on Gabriel Magalhaes handball incident vs Bayern Munich
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday, Arteta claimed that the referee made the correct decision by applying common sense to the situation, but admitted that his players need to ensure it does not happen again.
” Yeah I did notice it, especially after when it was set off a reaction from them,” he stated.
“The referee used the law and the law says use common sense and taking into account if you take an advantage or not. There was no advantage.
Arteta then said he would speak to the players over the incident.
“Just to clarify I think it is worth doing it (speaking to them), so next time just in case don’t do it again,” he added.
Gabriel and David Raya need to be more careful during Arsenal goal kicks
Whilst the pair employ the tactic of playing out the back well, and this goal kick routine is something they regularly do, there will now be extra scrutiny over their goal kicks going forward.
Opposition teams, referees and the media will likely put extra focus on their goal-kick routines after what happened, and there can definitely be no room for error.
Although it was an honest mistake with no advantage gained, Gabriel may find that if it happens again, another referee may not be as sympathetic to the common sense application of the handball rule.