German referee Daniel Siebert has faced criticism from Spanish media following Atletico Madrid’s Champions League semi-final elimination.
The Berliner allegedly made incorrect decisions in several situations during the 0-1 (0-1) loss to FC Arsenal, as reported by El Mundo Deportivo, which detailed the perceived errors.
Atletico should have been awarded a penalty for a clear foul on Antoine Griezmann, but Siebert had previously whistled for a ‘foul by (Marc, editors’ note) Pubill on Gabriel that did not occur at all.’ In another instance, the officiating team called for offside, a decision that now appears to have been mistaken.
Giuliano Simeone likely started from his own half during a goal kick by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak, meaning he was not offside. Shortly after, he was brought down in the Arsenal penalty area by Riccardo Calafiori, but Siebert had already blown his whistle. Simeone posted photos of both incidents on Instagram without commentary.
Ultimately, Arsenal celebrated thanks to Bukayo Saka’s golden goal (45th minute) in the first half. ‘First Saka, then the referee – checkmate,’ wrote the Spanish newspaper AS.
Siebert ‘allowed the embarrassing time-wasting by the English,’ according to El Mundo Deportivo.