Harry Kane was left fuming by Glenn Nyberg’s failure to punish Gabriel Magalhaes’ bizarre handball during Bayern Munich’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Arsenal, describing the incident as “the clearest penalty I’ve ever seen”.
Kane scored his 15th career goal against Arsenal on his return to north London on Tuesday, the former Tottenham hero slotting home from the spot to put the visitors 2-1 up after William Saliba tripped Leroy Sane.
However, Bayern felt they should have had another penalty in the second half when Gabriel, not realising the ball was in play, handled from David Raya’s short goal-kick.
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The decision to not give the penalty cost Bayern as Leandro Trossard stepped off the bench to salvage a draw for Arsenal, sweeping home after good work from Gabriel Jesus to level the tie ahead of next week’s second leg.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel claimed referee Nyberg had opted against punishing Gabriel’s peculiar mistake due to the importance of the match, and Kane was stunned by the decision.
“We should have had a clear penalty when the referee blew his whistle, the goalkeeper passed the ball and Gabriel picked it up,” Kane told reporters after the game.
“That’s the clearest penalty I’ve ever seen.”
Great performance from back to front. Only half time in the tie. Can’t wait for next week in Munich with our fans and a special atmosphere. 🙌 #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/chMMV2WqvF
— Harry Kane (@HKane) April 9, 2024
Arsenal had a penalty appeal of their own in second-half stoppage time, with Bukayo Saka going to ground after rounding Manuel Neuer moments before the final whistle was blown.
While many believed Saka initiated the contact by moving his right leg towards Neuer, Kane felt his England team-mate had a case.
“If that happened to us, I would want the penalty. But it’s a 50-50 decision,” Kane said.
Asked how it felt to return to the Emirates Stadium just eight months on from his Tottenham departure, Kane said: “It was a little bit strange, to be honest.
“Of course, I didn’t expect to face Arsenal so soon after leaving Tottenham.
“I lived in north London for a long, long time, and I have a lot of friends and family on both sides, there were a lot of Tottenham fans texting me as well.
“It was a special occasion. Of course, it would have been great to win, but all I can do now is try to win the game at home next week and make lots of Bayern and Tottenham fans happy.”
So much drama 🎭@oppo || #UCLshots pic.twitter.com/Nfxpw4aDAD
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 9, 2024
