Mark Clattenburg has explained why Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was hauled down inside the Gunners’ box during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League semi-final match against Arsenal and why the team was not given a penalty. The first leg of the semi-final matchup between the two teams took place at the Emirates on Tuesday night, and the visitors dominated from the opening minute. The French team took the lead early thanks to a brilliant goal from Ousmane Demebele within four minutes. Although he injured Arsenal early in the season, the forward is in incredible form right now and is among the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or later this year.
For the first time since 2006, it offered Mikel Arteta’s team a daunting assignment if they were to defeat their rivals and advance to the Champions League final. However, if the former Napoli player had been given a spot kick soon after the first goal, the Gunners’ situation might have been even worse.
Jurrien Timber appeared to drag Kvaratskhelia to the ground after he danced into the Arsenal area; replays showed the defender had his arms wrapped around the Georgian international, but no penalty was awarded. Fans on the internet were shocked that nothing was done, but Clattenburg gave an explanation during the match’s Amazon Prime coverage.
Clattenburg Accused Kvaratskhelia of Simulating
He said his arm placement insinuated the fall wasn’t natural
Former Premier League referee Clattenburg joined the Amazon Prime commentary team shortly after the event and provided an explanation for the non-awarding of a penalty. He disclosed the forward’s position, and it didn’t appear that he fell to ground in a natural manner. He continued by acknowledging that he believed the PSG player ought to have been booked for his response. During the game, he spoke and said:
“I simply don’t believe that was a punishment. The referee is trying to determine whether this fall is natural. When the attacker raises his arm in the air, it’s typically a clear indication that he’s imitating and attempting to signal to the referee that a foul has been committed. His response following the interaction was what I didn’t like. He should definitely receive a yellow card for dissent for running at the referee.
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