Arsenal vs Real Madrid. Referees didn't award a penalty for Raul Asencio's handball in Real's penalty area
Ileana Sanchez
Dailysports's expert
The two-leg UEFA Champions League duel between Arsenal and Real Madrid has just begun, but the match has already witnessed an intriguing incident that could impact the entire tie.
In the 14th minute of the match, Rice was on the end of a cross inside the penalty area, but the ball struck Asencio's hand. This incident prompted VAR to halt the game and review the moment in detail. However, after a brief pause, the referees decided to continue the match without awarding a penalty to Real.
Social media was immediately abuzz with activists criticizing the referees' decision.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: "Disgrace. As always, 'VARdrid' cheats, and the referee once again didn't award a penalty for Asencio's handball."
"Unlucky Arsenal," writes another fan.
"Had it been the other way around, Real Madrid would have definitely been awarded a penalty," notes another user.
Let's not forget, Arsenal and Real Madrid are meeting today in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. The opponents will face off again in the Spanish capital next week.
