Barcelona were crowned European champions last Wednesday after beating Arsenal 2-1.

I must say that the game was changed following a refereeing blunder. Norwegian official Hauge should have allowed Giuly’s goal to stand, rather than whistle immediately for a foul on Eto’o and then sending off Arsenal keeper Lehmann.

Barcelona would have been 1-0 then, but Arsenal would have had all the time in the world to reverse the result, with 11 men. Although Barcelona were disadvantaged by the refereeing decision, in the end it was Arsenal who paid the price because it is difficult to hold on for 70 minutes against a mighty club with 10 men.

The Gunners did take the lead, but could not hold on to it as their energy fizzled away the more time passed.

T. Camilleri

Sliema