Arsenal fans fume after conceding ‘diabolical’ penalty just seconds after Lautaro Martinez controversially avoids red

ARSENAL fans have been left seething after conceding a controversial penalty during their Champions League clash with Inter Milan.

The Gunners fell 1-0 down just before half-time after Mikel Merino deemed to have handled the ball inside the area, resulting in a penalty for Inter.

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That penalty was tucked away confidently by Hakan Calhanoglu and Inter took the lead with their first shot on target.

But Arsenal fans don't think that the Italian giants should have had a penalty in the first place, slamming the decision as "diabolical".

The ball clearly struck Merino on the hand, but the Spaniard was in close proximity to Mehdi Taremi when the ball bounced onto his arm.

And Arsenal fans think that Inter star Lautaro Martinez should have been dismissed too, just moments before the spot-kick was awarded.

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The Argentine was booked in the 16th minute for some pushing and shoving in the box, but risked a second yellow when he gestured to the referee to book William Saliba later in the half.

Fortunately for Martinez, Romanian official István Kovács chose not to reach into his pocket and dismiss him for the offence.

That left Arsenal fans seething with many reacting on social media.

One fan wrote: "Am I dreaming or did Lautaro ask the ref to book Saliba which is a bookable offence while being on a booking?"

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While another fumed: "Lautaro waving for the imaginary yellow is suppose to be a card I thought.. A second for him."

A third commented: "Never a penalty that for Inter Milan. And if we are going down the 'letter of the law', then Lautaro Martinez should have received a second yellow card for asking for an opponent to be booked."

And a fourth blasted: "Lautaro waving imaginary yellow and doesn't get his second for it. They then get a ridiculously soft pen... what's Merino supposed to do???"

Arsenal fans had felt hard done by earlier in the half too, claiming they deserved a penalty themselves.

Merino was involved once again as the summer signing leapt up for a header at a corner kick and collided with Yann Sommer.

The Swiss shot-stopper jumped up to try and punch the ball away from trouble and ended up punching Merino in the head instead.

But after a swift VAR review it was deemed that there was no significant error.

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