Former Arsenal star and TNT Sports pundit Martin Keown has stated that a UEFA penalty rule is “ruining our game” after a controversial decision in the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Inter.
Mikel Arteta’s men arrived in Italy needing a win as the North London club are in the midst of a bad run of form having failed to win any of their last three Premier League matches – with the absence of Martin Odegaard playing a big role in this.
The first half in the San Siro was very even between the two teams, however, the home side were awarded a controversial penalty towards the end of the opening 45 minutes in the eyes of English fans. Mikel Merino handled the ball in his own box after a flick-on hit him from very close range, which the referee declared a penalty.
💬 @martinkeown5: "It's ruining our game, to be honest!"
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 6, 2024
💬 @rioferdy5: "It's unfortunate the rules are different in different competitions…"
The Inter Milan penalty is a huge talking point at half-time 👀
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK | 🎙 @laura_woodsy pic.twitter.com/lKEpzERbRh
In the Premier League, the proximity of the Arsenal star would have come into play but that is not the case in UEFA competitions, where a penalty is normally called once the ball hits a hand.
Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up to slot the ball into the Gunners’ net and this did not go down well at halftime amongst the TNT Sports crew.