FANS praised referee Clement Turpin after the French whistler pulled Arsenal star Ben White up for a common infraction that rarely gets penalised.
White, 26, was in action as the Gunners took on Serie A side Atalanta in Bergamo.
The Gunners put in a laboured performance, drawing 0-0 in their Champions League season opener.
Things could have been worse for Mikel Arteta‘s men, but for David Raya‘s heroics.
Thomas Partey conceded a second half penalty for a foul on midfielder Ederson.
But Mateo Retegui’s subsequent spot kick was saved Raya, with the Spaniard also managing to keep out the forward’s follow up.
Another moment that got fans talking was full-back White being penalised for a foul throw in the 20th minute.
Having initially grabbed the ball just inside his own half, the Arsenal defender spent 12 seconds trotting further and further down the touchline.
When he finally took the throw-in, White was around ten yards ahead of where the ball had actually gone out.
Rather than let him get away with it, or order a retake, referee Turpin gave a foul throw – meaning that it would instead be Atalanta’s ball.
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With stealing yards down the touchline often not penalised, several fans were delighted with Turpin’s officiating.
One wrote on Reddit: “For how precise they are with so many things, it always bewilders me how players are allowed to do this multiple times a game.”
While a second agreed: “I was watching in awe. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it happen before. Would love this to become more normal.”
A third pointed out: “I mean he went from the half way line and extended the throw by like 10 meters.”
And a fourth commented: “I think Ben does this often. And he also takes an absolute age to make the throw in. Was bound to get punished for it eventually.”
Another added: “Clement Turpin gotta be the best ref in Europe rn, didn’t even notice him during the game. Wish the PL would hire foreign competent refs.”
Last season, Arsenal fans noticed Turpin’s resemblance with their attacker Leandro Trossard.
One joked during last season’s Champions League semi-finals: “This ref gotta be Trossard’s father.”
Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in Italy
ARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.
Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.
And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…
David Raya – 9
Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.
Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.
Ben White – 7
Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.
William Saliba – 8
One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.
Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.
Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.
Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.
Thomas Partey – 4
Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.
But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.
Declan Rice – 6
Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.
But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.
Kai Havertz – 6
With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.
Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.
Buakyo Saka – 6
Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.
Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.
Withdrawn before the hour mark.
Gabriel Martinelli – 4
Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.
Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City.
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