Inter Milan vs Arsenal ref watch: Three decisions Joao Pinheiro got wrong

Cristian Chivu and Mikel Arteta likely both had complaints as Joao Pinheiro attempted to keep emotions in check in the Champions League.

The Arsenal boss was furious with Michael Oliver after not punishing Ola Aina during their goalless draw with Nottingham Forest at the weekend, before jetting out to Italy on Tuesday, 20 January.

However, with Man City slipping up to Man United at Old Trafford, the Gunners extended their lead at the top of the Premier League before turning their attention to Europe.

It was a much-changed side, and the most noticeable decision was Gabriel Jesus replacing Viktor Gyokeres, and it certainly paid off, with the Brazilian bagging a brace in Italy.

Petar Sucic scored in between the efforts, but after a three-goal thriller at the San Siro, some of the talk will be about the referee’s performance in Europe.

Joao Pinheiro waves away Inter Milan penalty claim

Early in the second half, with the home side pushing for an equaliser, Lautaro Martinez went down in the penalty area following a strong body-check from William Saliba.

Calls for a penalty were quickly waved away, and a VAR check confirmed the referee’s decision, but very few would have complained had Pinheiro pointed to the spot.

Arsenal robbed of blatant corner at San Siro

The Gunners would have loved to take a two-goal lead away from home, and given their ability from set-pieces, players were outraged when a clear corner-kick was given as a goal-kick instead.

It could not have been anymore obvious when the ball cannoned off Marcus Thuram’s head, and behind his own goal, with his teammates then congratulating him for the piece of defending.

Somehow, Pinheiro pointed straight for a goal-kick, leaving the Premier League side fuming.

Cristhian Mosquera somehow avoids caution

Launching into two separate challenges on Francesco Pio Esposito, Arsenal’s No.3 certainly should have seen his name go into the referee’s notebook, but he only gave free-kicks.

They were both deserving of cautions. Yet, two fouls later, the centre-back had avoided a yellow card, eventually being replaced by Gabriel Magalhaes for the final 15 minutes.

Arteta could clearly see that he was getting overwhelmed as Inter Milan pushed for a goal, making the decision to hook him before the referee had another decision to make.

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