A controversial VAR decision awarded Arsenal a penalty in their 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen, with former Premier League referee Andy Davies calling it a poor on-field call. The incident occurred in the 86th minute when Malik Tillman challenged Noni Madueke in the penalty area, with referee Halil Umut Meler pointing to the spot.

Davies, who has over 12 seasons of elite-level experience, analyzed the play in detail. He noted that Madueke's initial contact with Tillman's foot and his deliberate fall suggested the Arsenal player was trying to win a penalty rather than being fouled. The VAR official, Rob Dieperink, took considerable time reviewing replays before clearing the on-field decision.

The former referee highlighted two key factors that indicated simulation: Madueke's body language after initial contact and his deliberate secondary movement that had no connection to the first challenge. While Davies believed the decision could have been overturned, he acknowledged that Tillman's unwise challenge from behind left the defender vulnerable to creating foul contact.