One of the talking points from Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain was a controversial penalty.
At a point in the tie when Arsenal desperately needed a goal, as PSG led by two on aggregate, time stood still for a moment when referee Felix Zwayer was directed to the pitchside monitor.
VAR called for Zwayer to take a look at a penalty claim, and while some believed it was in Arsenal’s favour, it was in fact PSG who were awarded a spot-kick.
Even rival fans couldn’t believe that PSG were awarded the penalty as VAR picked up on the ball brushing past Myles Lewis-Skelly’s hand.
Fortunately, the Parisians didn’t benefit from the decision as Vitinha’s effort was saved by David Raya, but the referee’s call was still one that left plenty in disbelief.
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Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker react to PSG penalty vs Arsenal
Mark Clattenburg was left ‘confused’ by the penalty decision after a VAR review, and the legendary former referee wasn’t the only one.
Speaking about Zwayer’s crucial call on The Rest Is Football podcast were Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, who shared a strong opinion on the key moment.
Starting the debate, Lineker described the referee’s decision as ‘absurd’, pondering why VAR felt the need to get involved.
“I mean, it was absurd. I’m starting to really loathe VAR. I just don’t think it’s good for our game, it sucks the life out of it,” he said.
Shearer picked up on the lack of appeal for a penalty from the opposition, adding that the stadium was unaware whether Arsenal or PSG would benefit from the pause in play.
“Even when the referee went to the screen, even the commentator said they weren’t sure what it was for and who it was going to be against.
“And it was like once he gave it, it was almost like he was apologetic to say ‘well I don’t really have a choice here’. It wasn’t like there was anyone, not one player, not anyone thought or saw that as a handball. It was just a pathetic decision, it really was.”
Raya saved the spot-kick to ensure PSG didn’t benefit from the controversial decision; however, just three minutes later, the hosts found the back of the net from open play.
Not the first time UEFA handball rule has hurt Arsenal
As Clattenburg mentioned when speaking exclusively to Arsenal Insider, “UEFA have different guidelines on handball to the Premier League and punishes more strictly than what we see each week.”
It happened against PSG, but it’s not the first time this season that a controversial handball has gone against the Gunners.
Mikel Merino conceded a bizarre penalty against Inter Milan back in November, as the ball brushed onto his hand from close range.
At the time, Martin Keown said VAR’s punishment of handballs is ‘ruining’ football, an opinion that was mirrored by Shearer and Lineker six months down the line.
PSG didn’t benefit from the call on the night, but it was the Parisiens who progressed to the final, ending Arsenal’s season with regard to silverware.
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