To start with, I must accept some conflict of interest about the Arsenal-Villareal Champions League match. I have been an avid Arsenal supporter since childhood.

However, how right my colleague and good friend, Colonel Vella was in his letter, “Poor Refereeing” (TMID, 26 April).

I certainly feel we were very lucky that Villareal did not score prior to the controversial penalty. That´s soccer! However, the referee´s decision to give a non-existent penalty at such a crucial time in the game was diabolical.

In disgust, I walked away refusing to watch the penalty.

The miracle happened!

My son shouted out, “Dad Lehmann has saved it”.

My decision not to watch that penalty probably saved my life.

It is a well-known fact that the chances of suffering a heart attack, sometimes fatal, are increased during such stressful times. It´s even worse, if one is convinced that an unfair decision was made against one`s favourite team.

Chev. Colonel (Retd)

Dr Raymond Bencini

Rabat