Kai Havertz scored a controversial late penalty for Arsenal upon his return to Bayer Leverkusen and the forward has now spoken out after finding the back of the net
Kai Havertz admitted he felt sorry for his Bayer Leverkusen rivals after netting a late penalty against his former side. The German was successful from the spot kick with a minute of normal time remaining.
It had come after substitute Noni Madueke went down under very little contact. Havertz, who made 150 appearances for Leverkusen before a move to Chelsea, muted his celebrations.
Asked about the goal, he revealed he had sympathy for his former employers. Speaking to DAZN, he said: “Penalty in the last minute are not always so easy. But these are the moments I have worked for years for, to be there in such moments.
“That’s why I’m naturally happy. I am glad that I stepped up, glad that I scored. I am naturally sorry for the Leverkusen players. But that is football and I was happy.”
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football’s Facebook page
READ MORE: Bukayo Saka concern raised as Mikel Arteta hooks Arsenal star vs Bayer LeverkusenREAD MORE: Arsenal pull off rescue act as Kai Havertz breaks Bayer Leverkusen hearts – 5 talking points
The goal was a crucial one for Arsenal, having battled back from 1-0 down following Robert Andrich’s opener. The Bayer Leverkusen captain hit out at the decision to award Arsenal their spot kick.
He said: “That is already very little. Of course he [Madueke] should not go down like that. I also know such situations: if you go down and maybe have the feeling: ‘Oh s***, now I’m already down.’ But that is already very, very little.
He added: “My feeling was that the small contact comes and he still falls a bit later. If I see it twice more, it is even less. That is surely not enough.”
Meanwhile, Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand was left far from happy with the decision. He said: “There’s no contact and then he goes down.
“It’s not a penalty. That’s a situation where if the referee doesn’t blow his whistle and VAR checks it, then there’s no penalty.”
Arsenal will welcome Leverkusen to the Emirates Stadium next week as they aim to seal a spot in the Champions League quarter finals. Should they find a way past the German side, they will take on either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting Lisbon, the former having won their first-leg 3-0.
Asked about Havertz, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “Yes, how composed he took and yes, football is a funny game and it brings special stories and him coming back here after such a long time, being part of this club, to come here and score such an important goal, I think it’s a big moment.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.