Inter Milan 1-3 Arsenal – Joao Pinheiro’s Controversial Penalty Decision Casts Shadow On Gunners Win | OneFootball

Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro made one highly controversial decision in last night’s clash between Inter Milan and Arsenal.

According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInterNews, the incident inside the Gunners’ penalty area early in the second half remains a polarising topic.

Inter suffered a dismal 3-1 home defeat in their last Champions League outing, casting further doubt on their faint top-eight hopes.

Furthermore, Cristian Chivu added to his collection of disappointments in high-stakes fixtures.

Despite Arsenal’s clear-cut victory, the match still produced some highly controversial moments.

Joao Pinheiro Under Scrutiny After Inter Milan 1-3 Arsenal Loss

UDINE, ITALY – AUGUST 13: Referee Joao Pinheiro gestures during the UEFA Super Cup 2025 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadio Friuli on August 13, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Gabriel Jesus’ first-half double handed Mikel Arteta’s side a slender one-goal lead at halftime.

However, Inter enjoyed a decent start to the second half, taking control of possession and putting pressure on Arsenal’s backline.

Though Viktor Gyokeres’ late strike landed a knockout punch on the Nerazzurri, the game could’ve gone differently.

Indeed, Lautaro Martinez went to the ground in the 54th minute, prompting intense penalty appeals from the home side.

Yet, Pinheiro waved ‘play on,’ even though there was contact between William Saliba and El Toro.