Ben White Handball Call Changes the Match
Arsenal defender Ben White was left frustrated after a controversial penalty decision in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.
The incident came in the second half, when Marcos Llorente’s shot struck White’s leg before touching his hand. Atletico players immediately appealed for a penalty, but Dutch referee Danny Makkelie did not point to the spot at first.
After speaking with the VAR team, Makkelie was sent to the pitchside monitor. He then changed his decision and awarded Atletico a penalty.
Gerrard Says PSG Decision May Have Influenced Referees
Steven Gerrard suggested the officials may have been affected by another handball call from the PSG vs Bayern Munich match.
The former Liverpool captain said the penalty given against Alphonso Davies in Paris may have shaped the referee’s thinking in Arsenal’s game.
Gerrard felt White was trying to move his arm away from the ball, but the earlier decision may have pushed the officials toward giving a similar penalty.
Warnock Calls the Decision Bizarre
Stephen Warnock also questioned the call. He said he does not believe the same incident would usually be punished in the Premier League.
Warnock pointed out that White’s arm was already in that position while he was trying to block the shot. The ball then came off his leg before hitting his arm.
He called the decision bizarre, though he added that such calls in the Champions League no longer come as a major surprise.
