3 weeks ago
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FANS backed Jamie Carragher’s plea for “staggered” Champions League kick-offs after Manchester City and Arsenal served up clashing classics.
City drew Tuesday’s quarter-final first leg 3-3 at Real Madrid at the same time as the Gunners’ 2-2 home stalemate with Bayern Munich.
PA
AlamyAnd many reckon Wednesday night will see another pair of humdingers – both starting at 8pm.
Atletico Madrid host Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona travel to PSG.
Liverpool legend Carragher responded to Tuesday’s two tumultuous ties with a direct request to European football’s rulers.
The Sky Sports pundit posted: “Can we stagger the kick offs in the #ChampionsLeague knockouts please @UEFA.”
One fan replied to Carra by saying: “I completely agree with this @ChampionsLeague take note please. You are loosing viewers for this.”
Another viewer pointed out: “European broadcasters, who pay the most money, want their country’s teams playing in peak time, Carra, to get best value for their rights fees.”
The ex-England defender ruefully appeared to accept this.
That’s because he in turn tweeted back with two emojis – a thumbs-up and a grimace.
Surprised it wasn't a penalty, says Halsey
By Mark Halsey
SOME will say that Bukayo Saka initiated the contact, but Manuel Neuer stuck out his leg.
I was surprised Glenn Nyberg did not award Arsenal a penalty in real time at the end.
Bayern Munich could have no complaints if it was given, they got away with one.
Munich were very lucky.
It is subjective, so maybe that is why VAR did not get involved.
Had it been given, the decision would not have changed.
City and Arsenal both face momentous return ties next Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola’s 2023-24 Treble winners will be favourites to reach the last four after only being denied victory in the Bernabeu by a glorious volley from Federico Valverde on 79 minutes.
Meanwhile, Tottenham legend Harry Kane threatened to hand Bayern victory at his former fierce rivals Arsenal.
The England skipper’s penalty left the German visitors 2-1 up as they defied their dodgy Bundesliga form.
But Gunners’ sub Leandro Trossard pounced in the 76th minute for his second goal in two games.
x formerly Twitter / @SkySportsPLWhy would he pick it up? It HAS to be a penalty, says Halsey
By Mark Halsey
Arsenal could have absolutely no complaints if a penalty was awarded to Bayern Munich.
The referee signalled for David Raya to take the goal kick.
He did… and Gabriel picked the ball up. Why would he do that? The whistle had been blown.
The only person who has made a mistake is Gabriel. Why would he pick the ball up?
Once the referee has blown his whistle and Gabriel has picked it up, he has to give a penalty.
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