Champions League

BAYERN MUNICH fans clashed with Arsenal stewards last night despite being banned from the Emirates.The two European giants played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie last night.Bayern Munich fans clashed with Arsenal stewards at the Emirates last nightCredit: RexBayern fans had been banned from the fixture and used Arsenal tickets to get inCredit: RexOne fan was escorted out of the stadiumCredit: RexBukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard both netted for the hosts, with Bayern responding through Serge Gnabry and Harry Kane.But the game was notable for its lack of away supporters.Bayern fans were barred from attending after falling foul of Uefa.In December, the club was fined £34,000 and hit with a suspended away stadium ban after supporters chucked fireworks onto the pitch in the group stage win at Copenhagen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut fans could not resist throwing more fireworks in their last-16 win at Lazio, triggering the suspension.Prior to last night game, Arsenal warned any home fan found to have sold their ticket to a barred Bayern supporter will face a ban of their own.Yet some German fans still managed to find their way into the Emirates.And several clashed with Arsenal stewards towards the end of the game.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIncredible pictures showed orange-clad security members tussling with several members of the crowd.They appeared to be Bayern Munich fans who had snuck into the home end.Arsenal fans trolled over ‘terrifying hostility’ as video of Harry Kane and Eric Dier arriving at Emirates emerges Surprised it wasn’t a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey

SOME will say that Bukayo Saka initiated the contact, but Manuel Neuer stuck out his leg.
I was surprised Glenn Nyberg did not award Arsenal a penalty in real time at the end.
Bayern Munich could have no complaints if it was given, they got away with one.
Munich were very lucky.
It is subjective, so maybe that is why VAR did not get involved.
Had it been given, the decision would not have changed.

And one was marched away by stewards with a forlorn look on his face after being busted.But Arsenal fans demanded whoever supplied the tickets must be banned from the Emirates “for life.”One said: Just before the end I saw a load of Bayern Munich fans being pushed out of the ground by stewards. Whoever the Arsenal fans were who sold them the tickets should be banned for life.”Another declared: “Person who sold it to him getting banned too.”One noted: “Whoever’s membership was on the tickets needs to be banned from the Emirates.”Another added: “If any Arsenal fans sold their ticket to Bayern fans, they deserve all they get.”The clash between Bayern fans and Arsenal stewards wasn’t the only controversial moment late in the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe hosts felt they should have been awarded a last-gasp penalty after Bukayo Saka appeared to make contact with Manuel Neuer’s outstretched leg.And the controversial decision split pundits down the middle, including Arsenal legends Ian Wright and Martin Keown.Why would he pick it up? It HAS to be a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey
Arsenal could have absolutely no complaints if a penalty was awarded to Bayern Munich.
The referee signalled for David Raya to take the goal kick.
He did… and Gabriel picked the ball up. Why would he do that? The whistle had been blown.
The only person who has made a mistake is Gabriel. Why would he pick the ball up?
Once the referee has blown his whistle and Gabriel has picked it up, he has to give a penalty. More

MANUEL NEUER left fans in awe after his unnecessary skill led to a goal during Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.The Bundesliga giants conceded a late Leandro Trossard equaliser at the Emirates on Tuesday night, but will still be confident heading back to Germany knowing a win will take them into the semi-finals.Manuel Neuer was being pressed by Kai HavertzCredit: TNT SportsHe proceeded to flick the ball out – a superb piece of skill under the circumstancesCredit: TNT SportsHe then lofted the ball over Havertz towards Matthijs de LigtCredit: TNT SportsThe move ended up leading to Bayern Munich’s penaltyCredit: TNT SportsAnd their second goal, a Harry Kane penalty, stemmed from a move started by an outrageous piece of play from Neuer.The German, 38, was being pressed by Kai Havertz as he assessed his options while in possession.And as Havertz attempted to cut off the passing lane to Matthijs de Ligt, Neuer casually flicked it up and volleyed it over to his team-mate.It was not the best pass, but Joshua Kimmich stopped it from going out of play, before Bayern built a move that ended with Leroy Sane being fouled for their penalty – which Kane converted.READ MORE ON ARSENALFans later zeroed in on the impressive skill from Neuer as they took to social media to react.One said: “I absolutely love Neuer.”While another added: “Bro is so confident.”A third replied: “What a king he is.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSurprised it wasn’t a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey
SOME will say that Bukayo Saka initiated the contact, but Manuel Neuer stuck out his leg.
I was surprised Glenn Nyberg did not award Arsenal a penalty in real time at the end.
Bayern Munich could have no complaints if it was given, they got away with one.
Munich were very lucky.
It is subjective, so maybe that is why VAR did not get involved.
Had it been given, the decision would not have changed.

A fourth responded: “His confidence level is top notch.”And a fifth said: “A genius of the game.”Arsenal fans trolled over ‘terrifying hostility’ as video of Harry Kane and Eric Dier arriving at Emirates emerges Why would he pick it up? It HAS to be a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey

Arsenal could have absolutely no complaints if a penalty was awarded to Bayern Munich.
The referee signalled for David Raya to take the goal kick.
He did… and Gabriel picked the ball up. Why would he do that? The whistle had been blown.
The only person who has made a mistake is Gabriel. Why would he pick the ball up?
Once the referee has blown his whistle and Gabriel has picked it up, he has to give a penalty.

Two-time Champions League winner Neuer, who has 117 caps for Germany, was involved in a controversial moment at the end of the game when Bukayo Saka went down in the area following contact from the Bayern keeper.But referee Glenn Nyberg did not award the spot kick as Arsenal players and fans were left furious.Neuer remains one of the best keepers in the worldCredit: Reuters More

ARSENAL legends Ian Wright and Martin Keown were left split over Bukayo Saka’s late penalty shout against Bayern Munich.The controversial moment occurred in the SIXTH minute of injury time as Arsenal and Bayern played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.Bukayo Saka’s late penalty shout against Bayern Munich left Arsenal legends dividedCredit: ReutersMartin Keown was adamant it should have been a penalty to the GunnersCredit: YouTube/talkSPORTIan Wright reckons the referee made the right call after Saka left his leg inCredit: RexSaka had put Arsenal ahead at the Emirates after 12 minutes but saw his goal swiftly cancelled out by Serge Gnabry’s equaliser.Harry Kane’s penalty had Bayern in front after half an hour before Leandro Trossard levelled things up 15 minutes from time.But Arsenal feel they should have left the match as 3-2 winners when Saka went down at the death.Charging through on goal, the England winger ended up colliding with the outstretched leg of Bayern goalie Manuel Neuer.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe contact took place well inside the box, and Saka sprawled to the floor as home fans waited for the whistle to blow.However, referee Glen Nyberg instead waved away Saka’s protests and instead blew the final whistle.It prompted’s Arsenal’s star man to confront the official in furious scenes.And Gunners hero Keown made it clear afterwards that Saka had been robbed of a decisive spot-kick.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe raged: “If you had ten top refs here tonight, nine of them would’ve given it. This referee would be the only one to not give it. I find it quite alarming.”However, fellow Arsenal legend Wright disagreed, saying: “Not a pen for me. Work to do in Munich.”Arsenal fans trolled over ‘terrifying hostility’ as video of Harry Kane and Eric Dier arriving at Emirates emerges Surprised it wasn’t a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey

SOME will say that Bukayo Saka initiated the contact, but Manuel Neuer stuck out his leg.
I was surprised Glenn Nyberg did not award Arsenal a penalty in real time at the end.
Bayern Munich could have no complaints if it was given, they got away with one.
Munich were very lucky.
It is subjective, so maybe that is why VAR did not get involved.
Had it been given, the decision would not have changed.

Indeed, many fans and pundits were split over whether it was a penalty or not.Another ex-Gunner, Matthew Upson, declared: “It looks like Saka has initiated the contact.”TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist said: “He genuinely feels it’s a penalty. I thought he definitely got there first, but I think there is an element of him throwing his right leg into him a little bit.”Rio Ferdinand fired back later: “That is a penalty. I can’t believe it. I’m in the stadium walking around in disbelief with my hands on my head. How has that not been given?”TNT Sports host and Arsenal fan Laura Woods questioned whether Saka had left a trailing leg for Neuer to hit.But fellow Gunner Piers Morgan snapped: “That is a penalty. End.”Even Bayern ace Kane, who plays with Saka for England, admitted it was likely to have been a penalty.He added: “It’s 50/50. If he was on my team, I would have said it’s a penalty.”The Germans felt they too were denied a clear penalty after an apparent handball by Gabrial.But speaking after the final whistle, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reserved his anger for his side giving away two cheap goals.He said: “In the Champions League you cannot give anything to the opponent and we gave them two goals today.“When you have this situation you are going to be punished. And that is the biggest lesson. “The margins are very small in this competition and it is really difficult to create quality chances against this level of opposition. READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I think the team showed a lot of composure, especially after 2-1 – you can throw your toys away and give your opponents a lot of space but we haven’t done that and the substitutes made a huge impact.“I sense the belief among the ­players that we are going to go to Munich next week and be better.”Why would he pick it up? It HAS to be a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey
Arsenal could have absolutely no complaints if a penalty was awarded to Bayern Munich.
The referee signalled for David Raya to take the goal kick.
He did… and Gabriel picked the ball up. Why would he do that? The whistle had been blown.
The only person who has made a mistake is Gabriel. Why would he pick the ball up?
Once the referee has blown his whistle and Gabriel has picked it up, he has to give a penalty. More

HARRY KANE’S post-match interview was hijacked by Arsenal fans after the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich.The former Tottenham star, 30, returned to North London to haunt Arsenal, netting from the penalty spot during the first half.Harry Kane was heckled by Arsenal fans during his interviewCredit: TNT SportsKane, 30, spoke to TNT Sports after the gameCredit: GettyAfter the game, Kane stopped to chat to TNT Sports pitchside.Bizarrely, dozens of Arsenal fans stayed in their seats well after the final whistle.And it seems they were hellbent on heckling their former foe while he spoke to Laura Woods, Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown.Arsenal fans loudly performed their “What do you think of Tottenham? chant” as Kane spoke, clearly picked up on TV cameras.READ MORE ON ARSENALWoods jokingly asked the striker: “Harry, have you missed this lot?”To which he replied: “I think they have a soft respect for me.”Ferdinand, 45, quipped: “They love him here don’t they.”Incredibly, Tuesday’s penalty was Kane’s 15th goal against Arsenal.Most read in Champions LeagueHe has taken his Premier League goalscoring prowess to Germany, netting 32 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances this season.But it was Bukayo Saka who got the scoring under way, firing past Manuel Neuer in the 12th minute.Arsenal fans trolled over ‘terrifying hostility’ as video of Harry Kane and Eric Dier arriving at Emirates emerges Arsenal old boy Serge Gnabry levelled just six minutes later, before Kane easily sat keeper David Raya down to roll in his penalty and give Bayern the lead just after the half hour.Substitute Leandro Trossard went on to equalise in the 76th minute to grab his side a 2-2 draw.The result could have been very different, however, but for two big penalty decisions.Bayern were blatantly denied a spot kick, with boss Thomas Tuchel claiming that referee Glenn Nyberg admitted to seeing Gabriel deliberately handball.While Arsenal then felt they should have had a spot kick of their own, when Saka collided with Manuel Neuer in the last minute.The two sides will reconvene in Germany next Wednesday with a place in the last four up for grabs.Why would he pick it up? It HAS to be a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey
Arsenal could have absolutely no complaints if a penalty was awarded to Bayern Munich.
The referee signalled for David Raya to take the goal kick.
He did… and Gabriel picked the ball up. Why would he do that? The whistle had been blown.
The only person who has made a mistake is Gabriel. Why would he pick the ball up?
Once the referee has blown his whistle and Gabriel has picked it up, he has to give a penalty. More

FANS backed Jamie Carragher’s plea for “staggered” Champions League kick-offs after Manchester City and Arsenal served up clashing classics.City drew Tuesday’s quarter-final first leg 3-3 at Real Madrid at the same time as the Gunners’ 2-2 home stalemate with Bayern Munich.Phil Foden celebrates netting for Man City in a 3-3 stunner at RealCredit: PALeandro Trossard enjoyed equalising as Arsenal drew 2-2 with BayernCredit: AlamyAnd many reckon Wednesday night will see another pair of humdingers – both starting at 8pm.Atletico Madrid host Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona travel to PSG.Liverpool legend Carragher responded to Tuesday’s two tumultuous ties with a direct request to European football’s rulers.The Sky Sports pundit posted: “Can we stagger the kick offs in the #ChampionsLeague knockouts please @UEFA.”READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLOne fan replied to Carra by saying: “I completely agree with this @ChampionsLeague take note please. You are loosing viewers for this.”Another viewer pointed out: “European broadcasters, who pay the most money, want their country’s teams playing in peak time, Carra, to get best value for their rights fees.”The ex-England defender ruefully appeared to accept this.That’s because he in turn tweeted back with two emojis – a thumbs-up and a grimace.Most read in Champions LeagueSurprised it wasn’t a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey

SOME will say that Bukayo Saka initiated the contact, but Manuel Neuer stuck out his leg.
I was surprised Glenn Nyberg did not award Arsenal a penalty in real time at the end.
Bayern Munich could have no complaints if it was given, they got away with one.
Munich were very lucky.
It is subjective, so maybe that is why VAR did not get involved.
Had it been given, the decision would not have changed.

City and Arsenal both face momentous return ties next Wednesday. Pep Guardiola’s 2023-24 Treble winners will be favourites to reach the last four after only being denied victory in the Bernabeu by a glorious volley from Federico Valverde on 79 minutes.BBC commentator takes dig at Arsenal star Ben White during Match of the Day coverageMeanwhile, Tottenham legend Harry Kane threatened to hand Bayern victory at his former fierce rivals Arsenal.The England skipper’s penalty left the German visitors 2-1 up as they defied their dodgy Bundesliga form.But Gunners’ sub Leandro Trossard pounced in the 76th minute for his second goal in two games.Jamie Carragher’s plea has won the backing of fansCredit: x formerly Twitter / @SkySportsPLWhy would he pick it up? It HAS to be a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey

Arsenal could have absolutely no complaints if a penalty was awarded to Bayern Munich.
The referee signalled for David Raya to take the goal kick.
He did… and Gabriel picked the ball up. Why would he do that? The whistle had been blown.
The only person who has made a mistake is Gabriel. Why would he pick the ball up?
Once the referee has blown his whistle and Gabriel has picked it up, he has to give a penalty. More

DAVID RAYA was SLAMMED by ex-Tottenham star Rafael van de Vaart after the Arsenal keeper’s attempt at saving Harry Kane’s penalty.With the quarter-final clash level at 1-1, Bayern Munich were handed a spot-kick after Leroy Sane was tripped up by William Saliba.David Raya was sent the wrong way by Harry KaneIt was Kane’s 39th goal of the seasonCredit: GettyRafael van der Vaart hit out at Raya’s attempt to save Kane’s spot-kickCredit: GettyEx-Tottenham star Kane stepped up and calmly send the goalkeeper the wrong way on his return to North London.Despite many praising the England captain as he found the back of the net for the 39th time this season, outspoken pundit Van de Vaart criticised Raya.The retired midfielder claimed the Spaniard dived too early and gave Kane the simple task of rolling the ball into the opposite corner.Van de Vaart said on Dutch TV: “Take a look at Raya. Is this guy even a goalkeeper? READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Kane doesn’t even make a movement but Raya just falls to the ground already.”The Spanish stopper’s error came after he was already blamed by some Arsenal fans for Bayern’s equaliser.The German side hit a speculative ball forward and Raya rushed off his line as Gabriel dealt with it.But without the option to pass back to his keeper, the centre-back gave the ball away.Most read in Champions LeagueBayern then punished Arsenal as Serge Gnabry scored against his former club.Fans raged: “Raya, what are you doing? Comes out completely unnecessarily.”Gary Lineker says ‘it’s written in the stars’ as MOTD presenter predicts Premier League winnersWhile a second fumed: “Raya committed way too much. Unnecessary.”But others jumped to his defence after his heroics in the penalty shootout in the last round against Porto after Raya saved two spot-kicks.One replied: “Does he remember the match against Porto, or are goalkeepers supposed to be robots that can’t make mistakes.”Raya’s blushes were saved by Leandro Trossard, who came off the bench to make it 2-2.There was controversy late in the game as Arsenal were denied a 96th minute penalty after Bukayo Saka was tripped by Manuel Neuer.Fans slammed Raya’s positioning in the build-up to Bayern’s equaliserCredit: TNT SPORTS More