Due to the grief caused by Arsenal getting knocked out of the Champions League, there has been little to no acknowledgement of a controversial call in their 2nd leg clash. This is in reference to the penalty given to the French side just before the 70th minute mark.
Being already a goal up at that point, Paris Saint-Germain were awarded the penalty despite no appeals in real time, in what even took the home side by surprise. Upon seeing the incident on the replay, the referee adjudged Myles Lewis-Skelly to have wrongly handled the ball while defending a shot from the excellent Achraf Hakimi. It was given in spite of his arm being in a natural position while performing the blocking action much to the disbelief of a handful inside the stadium.
This decision caused outrage among pundits and ex-players. Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand were two of those who criticized the decision on social media. The Premier League all time top goal scorer on his X, posted: “Ah man do me a favour. Handball for that is just crap.” While the legendary Man United defender simply shared: “Horrendous Decision” along with a “shock” emoji.
PSG later went on to miss the penalty in what would’ve felt like retribution for an outrageous refereeing blunder. However, to cut Felix Zwayer (referee) some slack, the decision was made solely on the recommendation of the video assistant referee, further highlighting it’s growing and unhealthy influence on the game. There’s no doubt the technology has been very useful since it’s inception but it’s growing control over the game through micro analysis is a concern.
Even though they failed to convert, it didn’t have any bearing on results as the Gunners lost either way. Arsenal won’t be heading to Munich as a result and it confirmed yet another trophy- less campaign for Arteta’s men.
Your thoughts Gooners?
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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video assistant referee, will need some serious adjustments, come next season.
Absolute ridiculous decision to give that penalty, much like the one awarded against us Vs Inter Milan.
Yeah and like the one we got against S Donetsk
Hardly the same. MLS had his back to the shot, which grazed his hand. The Shakhtar defender was sideways on to the cross from Merino when the ball hit his outstretched fist.
Nah both are subjective mate
Some decisions go for us , some don’t
We have been given pens for diving this season
Totally disagree that both are subjective cor.
It’s an opinions mate
VAR is a meme that just keeps giving at this point. The only thing more ridiculous is Mr. Webb defending this travesty.
By the way, how many other players have been carded for delaying games, or received a second yellow for delaying restarts?
Many have received yellow cards for years mate
Few get red carded for it because most don’t do it on a yellow
I doubt if any have received cards for delaying games. The match would start without them wouldn’t it? I’ve seen players receiving a yellow for coming on late though.
He means the rule mate
Kicking the ball away is essentially delaying the restart of the game
As is in theory let’s say it’s a free kick , the opposition shouldn’t be touching the ball
Yes Dan, that is what I was implying. Granted I do not watch a lot of the other PL Clubs or other European clubs play, so my question was about 30% honest and 70% sarcastic jest.
I just remember several times we haver had opponents kick the ball away and the ref did nothing. Once was a stoppage of play, and opponent kicked ball away while we were substituting players. The other couple times the ref did nothing, not even speak to the player or their captain.
No it happens very often a player will get booked for it , especially when time wasting
It’s a myth our fanbase have made up that it doesn’t happen elsewhere
Right…it’s the way I read it😉
Does it matter, Raya saved the pen and it had no effect on the result, was the wrong decision though.
People need to understand the rule before spouting. Football rules are not about opinion. The rule on accidentally hand ball denying a goal is very clear. If it denies a goal scoring opportunity, it will be punished by a free kick ie penalty. MLS unluckily caused a big deflection, so it was a penalty. Luckily it was saved, unluckily it didn’t make a jot of difference.
Different to what Mark Clattenburg said on Wednesday night Reggie.
Well he needs to read the rule book!!!!!
You may not agree with the rule but that is what it says. Opinion is different. Try googling it and maybe so should Shearer and Clatenburg. Then they can say its only their opinion. Still doesn’t mean the award was wrong. It was right to the rule.