Drama erupted in extra time in the Champions League final as Arsenal and PSG engaged in a tense battle.
However, the key point of the game remains the controversial incident involving Gunners defender Cristian Mosquera in the second half.
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Former Premier League referee Graham Scott has explained the crucial reason why the Arsenal man avoided a red card after awarding a penalty for a foul on Hviča Kvaratscheria.
Mosquera, who had already been booked for wasting time immediately after the interval, fouled the PSG winger 18 yards inside the box.
Ousmane Dembele then converted the spot-kick to equalize, while Arsenal fans held their breath in anticipation of a second yellow card, which never came.
Why Cristian Mosquera wasn’t sent off against PSG
Speaking about the controversial decision, former top-flight official Graham Scott (via The Athletic) sheds light on the referee’s thought process and reveals why the strict wording of the law saved the Arsenal defender.
“It was definitely a penalty for PSG and it was natural for Mosquera to be shown a second yellow card,” explained Scott.
“But it was more clumsy and careless than reckless, and there was still some promising attack left in the form of a penalty.”
Modern refereeing guidelines for the “double jeopardy” rule mean that if a defender clumsily attempts to play the ball inside a genuine penalty area, awarding a penalty is often considered sufficient punishment in itself, rather than issuing an automatic warning to thwart a promising attack.
Mosquera’s challenge lacked the malice or excessive force necessary to be considered “reckless,” so he did not go to the dressing room early.
Mikel Arteta reacted immediately to this mass let-off, immediately substituting the young defender for his own protection after just a minute.
Also read: Why Arsenal were furious with the referee just before half-time in the Champions League final
Will this be a key moment in the game?
With the match currently stretched to the limit with extra time, this decision could completely determine who lifts the trophy.
Another grueling 30 minutes with 10 men against a star-studded PSG attack would have been a nightmare for Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup.
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Instead, Arsenal was able to maintain full structural integrity. Whether the Gunners can take advantage of leaving 11 men on the pitch to find a late winner remains to be seen as the drama continues to unfold.
