Spotted: Mikel Arteta Gets Into Intense Debate With Arsenal Assistant Coach As Merino Denied Penalty vs PSG

Drama unfolded at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain delivered a moment of intense controversy — one that visibly rattled Mikel Arteta and led to a heated exchange with his assistant coach on the touchline.

The incident occurred around the 37th minute of the first half, just as Arsenal began to build momentum. In a quick attacking transition, the ball fell to Mikel Merino inside the PSG penalty box. With the crowd rising in anticipation, Merino tried to take his shot, only to be clipped by PSG midfielder João Neves just as he struck the ball.

The contact was clear on replay. Neves appeared to kick Merino’s foot rather than the ball. The Arsenal midfielder crumbled to the ground in visible pain, but to the shock of the fans and the players, the referee waved play on. No penalty was given.

The Emirates Stadium erupted in disbelief. Fans immediately made their feelings known with a chorus of boos aimed at the officiating crew. But it wasn’t just the supporters who were furious.

On the sidelines, Mikel Arteta could be seen losing his composure. As the camera zoomed in, the Arsenal boss was engaged in an animated discussion with one of his assistant coaches. Arteta was passionately gesturing, seemingly replaying the challenge in the air with his hands, showing where Merino had been kicked.

His assistant, however, didn’t seem fully convinced. Perhaps trying to calm tensions or offer a different interpretation of the moment, the assistant’s more composed demeanor clashed with Arteta’s fiery frustration. Their conversation, though not audible, was visibly intense.

Arteta pointed again toward the area where the challenge occurred, raising three fingers — possibly a reference to multiple missed calls. The assistant responded with a shake of the head, either in disagreement or doubt.

It was a rare public disagreement on the touchline between members of Arsenal’s technical team. Arteta, known for his passionate and detailed instructions, rarely lets emotions spill over in this manner toward his own bench.

This moment of internal debate underscored the gravity of the situation. Arsenal were already trailing, and the denial of what seemed a clear penalty only added to the pressure. For a team fighting for Champions League glory, such decisions can shift entire campaigns.

After the brief debate, Arteta turned his fury toward the fourth official, demanding answers and gesturing toward the VAR screen. His protests, however, yielded no results. The game carried on.

Meanwhile, Merino had to receive treatment on the pitch. He was eventually able to continue, but his movement seemed affected for the remainder of the half. His frustration was visible — not just from the pain, but from the lack of justice.

Social media quickly caught fire. Arsenal fans posted slow-motion replays, freeze-frames, and analysis clips showing the moment of contact. Hashtags like #MerinoPenalty and #ArtetaRage began trending, as supporters demanded accountability from UEFA officials.

Commentators also weighed in. Former referee turned analyst Mark Clattenburg stated during halftime coverage, “That’s the kind of challenge that, in modern football, usually results in a penalty. There was contact, and Merino didn’t dive.”

Despite the incident, Arteta managed to regain focus and continued coaching with intensity. But the damage had been done. Arsenal missed a chance to potentially level the game before halftime — a moment that could prove decisive in this Champions League tie.

As halftime arrived, Arteta walked off the pitch still visibly fuming. He had a brief word with the referee but appeared to receive no meaningful response. His assistant coach followed closely, perhaps still trying to offer a different perspective.

The second half saw Arsenal push hard, but that first-half moment lingered. Every time the ball approached PSG’s box, the crowd roared louder, seemingly trying to will the referee to balance the earlier injustice.

Whether this denied penalty becomes a defining moment in the tie remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Mikel Arteta will not forget it. Nor will the thousands of Arsenal fans who watched a potentially game-changing foul go unpunished.

This incident raises larger questions about the use of VAR in high-stakes matches. Why wasn’t the referee advised to take a second look? Was there a breakdown in communication, or was the foul simply overlooked?

Arteta has often spoken about fine margins in football — this may be one of the finest margins of all. A missed penalty, a heated debate, and a decision that could change Arsenal’s European journey.

For now, Arsenal must regroup, but as they prepare for the return leg in Paris, there’s no doubt that Arteta will carry this injustice with him — and perhaps, use it as fuel.