BREAKING: Heated Exchange Between Mikel Arteta and Arsenal Assistant After Merino Denied Penalty Against PSG High drama unfolded at the Emirates Stadium during Arsenal’s Champions League clash with PSG, as a controversial first-half decision sparked clear unrest on the Arsenal bench. In the 37th minute, Mikel Merino was brought down in the PSG box, but no penalty was awarded, leading to a tense on-field dispute between Arteta and his assistant

Tensions surged at the Emirates during Arsenal’s Champions League encounter with Paris Saint-Germain when a disputed moment in the first half ignited visible frustration on the Arsenal bench. The incident involved Mikel Merino, who, in the 37th minute, found himself inside PSG’s penalty area during a swift attacking move. As he attempted to take a shot, PSG’s João Neves made contact, appearing to strike Merino’s foot instead of the ball.

 

The clash, shown clearly in replays, seemed to justify a penalty. Merino fell immediately, grimacing in pain. However, the referee chose not to award the spot-kick, waving play on to the astonishment of both players and spectators. The decision drew immediate backlash from the stands, with Arsenal fans voicing their anger loudly.

 

Mikel Arteta’s reaction was swift and intense. On the touchline, he confronted one of his assistant coaches in a fervent discussion. Cameras caught him using emphatic gestures, reenacting the foul with animated hand movements. His emotions were palpable, underscoring his belief that a critical refereeing error had occurred.

 

The assistant, in contrast, maintained a calmer stance, possibly trying to de-escalate the situation or offer an alternative view of the incident. This difference in tone led to a rare public disagreement within Arsenal’s coaching team. Arteta appeared to reference multiple grievances, holding up three fingers as he continued to argue his point.

 

Moments like this are uncommon for Arteta, who typically channels his energy toward instructing players rather than engaging in internal disputes. But the weight of the match, paired with what he perceived as a blatant oversight, pushed him to confront even his own staff amid the controversy.

 

As the match resumed, Arteta directed his anger toward the fourth official, demanding VAR intervention. His pleas were ignored, and no review took place. Merino, after receiving treatment, resumed play but seemed limited in mobility for the rest of the half, his performance hampered both physically and emotionally.

 

Online, the reaction was swift and widespread. Fans dissected the moment frame by frame, amplifying calls for accountability through trending hashtags. Analysts, including former referee Mark Clattenburg, noted that such contact usually warrants a penalty under current rules, adding weight to Arsenal’s complaints.

 

Arteta continued to lead with intensity through the remainder of the half, but the moment had clearly affected the team. With Arsenal already trailing, the denied penalty might have been a turning point. As the half ended, Arteta remained visibly agitated, sharing final words with the referee before heading down the tunnel, his assistant close behind.

 

The controversy lingered into the second half. The crowd remained energized, reacting to every incursion into PSG’s box with renewed urgency. Whether this moment proves decisive in the outcome of the tie remains uncertain. But for Arteta and his squad, the sense of injustice is unlikely to fade quickly, especially with the second leg looming.