The real reason Bukayo Saka penalty not given in Arsenal vs Bayern Munich Champions League clash

It was a pulsating first leg of the Champions League quarter-final between Arsenal and Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. We have come to expect thrilling encounters in Europe's premier competition and the north London match did not disappoint.

In fact, both matches on the night were thrillers. Real Madrid and Manchester City played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in the Santiago Bernabeu at the same time as Arsenal and Bayern were drawing 2-2.

The match at the Emirates Stadium was not without controversy though.

Some believe Harry Kane should have been sent off for an apparent elbow on Gabriel Magalhaes. It was not into his face, it was in his neck and it looked like he was trying to leverage the Arsenal defender out of the way rather than being malicious.

However, it did not look good on the replays and the former Tottenham man can count himself lucky that VAR did not get involved. VAR not getting involved was going to become a common theme.

Gabriel had also been involved in another incident that left Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel incensed. David Raya appeared to take a goal-kick after the referee blew his whistle. Gabriel proceeded to touch the ball with his hands and put it down to take a goal-kick for himself, not realising Raya had just done so.

Bayern players could not believe it and went asking the referee for a penalty, while Tuchel went frantic on the touchline. Again VAR did not intervene.

Gabriel madness leads to Bukayo Saka penalty humility as Arsenal learn Champions League lesson

Why Bukayo Saka Arsenal penalty was not given vs Bayern Munich after VAR controversy

Then, with almost the last kick of the game, Bukayo Saka went clean through and went down under the challenge of Bayern keeper