Arsenal fans were quick to react to the news that Barcelona is currently under investigation for paying referees between 2001 and 2018.
Arsenal reached their only Champions League final in 2006, where they faced Barcelona in Paris for the holy grail of European football.
However, according to some Arsenal fans, the match revolved around an important decision, which changed the game and gave the Blaugrana the advantage.
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann beat Samuel Eto'o when the Cameroonian scored in the 18th minute, and although Ludovic Giuly scored on a loose ball, the referee returned the game to send off German goalkeeper and kept the score 0-0.
Before the first half ended, Sol Campbell still gave Arsenal the lead but that was not enough as Barcelona came back in the second half with a score of 2-1 while substitute Henrik Larsson made two assists. created to take home the Champions League. in Spain. The game has come into question as Barcelona is currently under investigation for paying referees to get decisions and outcomes in their favor for 17 years.
If true, it could raise questions about the legitimacy of their most successful years.
Barcelona beat Arsenal in the 2006 Champions League final (Alamy)
Gunners fans strongly believe that referee Lehmann's decision to send off and disallow the goal was a game-changer as 11 Barcelona men finally overcame Arsenal's 10 in the final. match.
An Arsenal fan account posted the red card incident on Twitter, where several Arsenal fans expressed frustration over the incident. The message contained a video of Lehmann shooting down Eto'o with the caption:
"Remember when Ludovic Giuly scored but the referee disallowed the goal and instead sent Jens Lehmann off the pitch, in a Champions League final? Barcelona have been corrupt for a very long time."
Remember when Ludovic Giuly scored but the referee disallowed the goal and sent Jens Lehmann off in a Champions League final?
Barcelona has been corrupt for a very long time.
pic.twitter.com/HMIRZEJrDz
– Gunner (@Gunnersc0m) March 10, 2023
In response, one fan said:
"I was there for that game. We played brilliantly, but the last 20 minutes with 10 men we didn't have a chance. It would be disgusting if we lost to corruption."
Another said:
"Exactly, how can you deny a scoring opportunity if they have already scored?"
One fan replied:
"It was a painful night. We were trailing for the final ten minutes, not to mention Henry missed a full chance. Don't let me start."
The final is remembered for when Thierry Henry missed a number of opportunities that he was normally expected to complete, but for some reason couldn't get past Victor Valdes.
This was the last and only time Arsenal reached a European cup final, as Barcelona have won three more since.
We'll never know if things turned out differently with the 11 players on the pitch from both teams, but it's certain that Arsenal fans are annoyed to this day.
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