Exclusive: Jurrien Timber slammed for ‘nonsense’ incident in Arsenal v PSG
Jurrien Timber got away with “nonsense” defending as Arsenal escaped conceding a penalty to Paris Saint-Germain, according to Keith Hackett.
The former head of the PGMOL, and an ex-Premier League and FIFA referee exclusively told Football Insider that the Gunners were “very lucky” not to face a spot kick in the first half after some baffling work from the defender.
The Dutch full-back struggled against the pace and trickery of Kvicha Kvaratskhelia in the first half at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, 29 April, much like the rest of his teammates.
It was the Georgian winger who grabbed the assist for Ousmane Dembele’s opening goal, who fired past David Raya after just four minutes, delivering a hammer blow, and it could have gotten even worse.
Kvaratskhelia caused more issues by bursting into the penalty area, jinking between two players before going down when Timber reached across to bar him with an arm, which caused quite a lot of controversy.
Jurrien Timber guilty as Arsenal escape penalty v PSG
While it was a very quick incident, VAR appeared not to get involved after referee Slavko Vincic waved away penalty claims, a decision which surprised Hackett.
It is a moment that could have massive impacts on who reaches the Champions League final, with another leg to play at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, 7 April, and one of Barcelona and Inter Milan waiting in the final.
Mikel Arteta, who is under pressure to win silverware with Arsenal, would have been holding his breath after Kvaratskhelia went down under Timber’s challenge, and Hackett believes he very much should have been.
Hackett has already dubbed Arsenal “lucky” not to concede a penalty, but the ex-PGMOL chief has now criticised the defender who made the challenge for putting his side in danger.
Keith Hackett slams Arsenal defender after controversial incident
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Timber’s risky challenge, the former referee said:
“The defender has held his arm across the attacking player, who has then gone to ground. At first view, you think, ‘Is there sufficient holding?’, but then again, why has he stuck his arm out?
“It’s nonsense from the Arsenal player, and I think they’re very lucky that VAR has not intervened and that the referee did not take a second look and award a penalty.”
While the Gunners will next face Bournemouth in the Premier League, the manager will likely be resting his best players for the second leg over at the Parc des Princes next week.