Early in the second half of the Champions League Semi Final clash, Marcos Llorente’s shot hit Ben White’s shin before the ball bounced up onto his arm and following a VAR review, Atletico were awarded a spot-kick.
Arsenal fans were left fuming after conceding a controversial handball penalty which many supporters is one of the aspects ruining the game at the highest level.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Carragher was flabbergasted and believes that it is VAR decisions like this which are turning fans away from the game.
“What’s he supposed to do? He has fallen down trying to block a shot. It’s winding me up! The thought of a Champions League final being decided on that…
“I’m not having it. It’s not right, it’s not fair. I just think it’s gone far too far. Don’t get me wrong, as soon as I saw the incident, I knew it was going to be a penalty. This is the Champions League way of doing it.
“But honestly, if we go to Budapest and someone wins the Champions League on one of these ridiculous handballs, it’s a stain on the Champions League. The Champions League is the best competition in the world by a mile. The World Cup can’t come close, no domestic division can come close. The only thing letting it down is this.
”You’re just thinking this is ridiculous. You’ve got the best players in the world competing for the biggest trophy they can win in club football. And something like that is going to decide a game at this level. It’s not right. It’s not fair on the players. Nobody likes it.”
White’s arm was arguably in a natural position as he attempted to block a shot on the edge of the area and the decision led to a 1-1 draw, meaning each side will have to step up in the second leg if they are to progress.