Bukayo Saka slammed as Arsenal star misses ‘ridiculous’ Panenka penalty vs Real Madrid

Fans have slammed Bukayo Saka's penalty decision as the Arsenal star missed a penalty against Real Madrid as VAR intervened on an incident involving Raul Asencio and Mikel Merino

Arsenal fans have slammed Bukayo Saka after he saw a 'ridiculous' Panenka penalty saved against Real Madrid.

Following a VAR review, Arsenal were awarded a spot kick after Raul Asencio was adjudged to have bundled Merino to the ground from a corner. Saka stepped up from 12 yards in the Santiago Bernabeu but his Panenka effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid's players were left furious with the decision, which was not obvious to see in real time, given how far away from the ball the incident happened, and with Merino having no chance of affecting the play.

The 23-year-old wasted the chance to put Arsenal 1-0 up in Madrid, and virtually seal the tie by extending the Gunners' advantage to four goals from their 3-0 win at the Emirates last Tuesday.

Fans on X slammed Saka's decision to attempt such a technique in the circumstances, as one user dubbed it "ridiculous". A second said: "Chance to go 4-0 up on aggregate and you try Panenka a penalty Shocking decision."

A third added: "No way Bukayo Saka went for the panenka in such a crucial moment." While a fourth fumed: "Embarrassing."

Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson, was left baffled by Saka's effort on BBC Radio Five Live, he 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."

Moments later, VAR played a major part at the end of the pitch as Real Madrid saw a penalty overturned of their own.

Referee Francois Letexier initially awarded a penalty after Declan Rice held Kylian Mbappe as the Frenchman fell to the ground.

But following a ludicrous five minute delay to the game, VAR eventually sent the referee to the screen, where he overturned the decision.

Saka turned hero as he put Arsenal in front in the second-half. Vinicius Junior got Real back into the tie but Real were unable to cause Arsenal any problems.

Gabriel Martinelli scored deep into added time to see the Gunners book their semi-final spot with a 2-1 win at the Bernabeu and a 5-1 aggregate victory.