Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka became embroiled in a row with injured Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal as tempers boiled over at half-time of the Champions League quarter-final tie at the Bernabeu.
Saka, who missed a penalty in the first half when his Panenka effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois, was making his way down the tunnel when he was grabbed on the neck by Carvajal, who then approached the Gunners winger and raised his hand towards him.
The pair then became involved in an angry exchange as they were quickly surrounded by others, with Saka clearly angered by the attention of Carvajal, who remains sidelined with an ACL injury sustained in October.
Saka pushed Carvajal away, with Gunners substitute Ben White also quickly on the scene to back up his team-mate.
It is unclear what Carvajal had said to Saka after approaching him, but the six-time Champions League winner may well have been referencing the England winger’s weak first half penalty.
Saka saw his Panenka effort easily saved by Courtois after referee Francois Letexier had judged that Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio had pulled down Mikel Merino in the box from a corner.
Commentating on BBC Radio Five Live, the former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson said: “I just can’t believe the selection of penalty here from Bukayo Saka. I am so surprised. It’s such a bad penalty. He’s chipped it to the side Thibaut Courtois dives to.”
TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist said: “I can’t believe it. The goalkeeper does unbelievable. It’s not a great pen. He gives the goalkeeper an opportunity to lift a left hand, and the left hand is strong.”
However, Saka would go on to have the last laugh on Carvajal and Madrid in the second half when he opened the scoring in the 65th minute with a fine finish after being found by Merino.
Vinicius Jr quickly pulled one back for Real Madrid when he profited from an error from William Saliba and fired home, but Arsenal’s impressive defensive display kept the hosts at bay and ensured that they never really threatened to overturn their 3-0 first leg deficit, with Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage time strike ensuring the Gunners won 2-1 on the night.
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