Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen ref watch: Three decisions Danny Makkelie got wrong in Champions League clash
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago Tue 17 March 2026 22:03, UK Arsenal reached the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 (3-1 agg) win over Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.They took the lead in stunning fashion as Eberechi Eze lashed a strike past Janis Blaswich after 36 minutes following a period of real pressure from the hosts.Declan Rice went on to double Arsenal’s lead just after the hour mark as he pounced on a loose ball in midfield before curling home from the edge of the area.Kai Havertz thought he had scored against his old club once more in the 70th minute, but it was ruled out for handball as Arsenal progressed.Arsenal’s next Champions League match will be away at Sporting CP in the quarters, but for now, we have looked at three decisions that Danny Makkelie got wrong in Tuesday’s game.Credit: Imago ⚽ Arsenal Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert verdicts and previews, and tactical analysis for every Gunners fixture. VISIT THE ARSENAL MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES David Raya clearly handled the ball outside the penalty areaIt is certainly rare to see a goalkeeper accidentally leave their box with the ball in hand at the top level of football, but that is what transpired at the Emirates on Tuesday.Raya was too eager to get Arsenal’s counter-attack going in the 32nd minute, and he left his box by a couple of yards before rolling the ball out to Declan Rice.This should have resulted in a free-kick to the visitors in a pretty dangerous area of the pitch, but Makkelie and his officials failed to spot the offence.Exequiel Palacios did not deserve a bookingPalacios is the kind of player who wears his heart on his sleeve, and it felt as if his reputation was what earned him a booking for a tackle on Eze.The Argentine midfielder did catch the Arsenal man late in the 46th minute as the hosts tried to break, but it was his first and only foul of the game.Makkelie was too quick to pull out his yellow card for the challenge, as a warning would have sufficed.Havertz’s clear handball should not have been initially given Arsenal thought they had made it three in the 71st minute as Havertz knocked the ball into an empty net after Saka’s header infield.(Credit Imago)There were muted celebrations from the German and the rest of his teammates as he looked around sheepishly to see his goal ruled out, but Makkelie was happy to let it stand.VAR then quickly got involved and disallowed the goal for a very clear handball, which the Dutch referee should have spotted in real time. 💰 ARSENAL INSIDER UPDATE 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, off-pitch deals and boardroom developments at Emirates Stadium.
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the Emirates Stadium.