Thomas Tuchel angry about ref's explanation for not punishing Arsenal's 'kid's mistake'
Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel fumed at the referee's explanation for allowing Arsenal to escape punishment for a "kid's mistake" during an exhilarating Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Bayern felt they were denied a clear penalty in the 66th minute of the breathless 2-2 draw at Emirates Stadium after Gunners defender Gabriel inexplicably picked up the ball following a David Raya goal kick.
Swedish match official Glenn Nyberg reportedly opted against awarding a spot-kick due the bizarre nature of the incident, with his on-field explanation branded "horrible" by former Chelsea manager Tuchel.
Six-time European champions Bayern led 2-1 at that stage before Gunners substitute Leandro Trossard levelled the tie ahead of next week's return match in Munich.
"The referee made a huge mistake," said Tuchel.
"I know it was a crazy situation. They put the ball down, he whistles and the defender takes the ball with his hands.
"What makes us really angry is the explanation on the pitch. He told our players it was a 'kid's mistake' and he won't give a penalty for that in a Champions League quarter-final.
"It's a horrible, horrible explanation. Kid's mistake, adult's mistake, whatever - we feel angry because it was a huge decision against us."
Bukayo Saka fired the hosts into a 12th-minute lead on a raucous north London evening.
But former Arsenal forward Serge Gnabry equalised before a penalty from ex-Tottenham striker Harry Kane turned the match in the Bavarians' favour.
Trossard equalised and a helter-skelter contest threatened to have a late twist as Bayern substitute Kingsley Coman hit a post in the 90th minute before Saka was denied an added-time spot-kick after tumbling under a challenge from visiting goalkeeper Manuel
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