Penalty Controversy Muddies Arsenal's Champions League Exit: "That's Just Something"
Refereee Felix Zwayer is the recognized figure associated with Arsenal
In the tumultuous world of Champions League football, the name Felix Zwayer, a German referee, has been making waves, thanks to an unconventional penalty call against FC Arsenal. Despite not being the sole cause of Arsenal's semi-final exit, the incident has stirred up quite a fuss.
Declan Rice of FC Arsenal, in disbelief post their 1:2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, labeled the penalty decision as a "joke." He added, "That's just something," shaking his head during the post-game DAZN interview. The controversy emanated from a second-half penalty awarded to PSG following a VAR check, after Achraf Hakimi's shot struck Miles Lewis Skelly's outstretched arm in the Arsenal box (66'). However, the resulting penalty taken by Vitinha was saved by goalkeeper David Raya.
Rio Ferdinand, English TV expert and former national player, and Martin Keown, former Arsenal defender, both echoed similar sentiments during the match. Ferdinand called the decision "horrible," while Keown deemed it "laughable." The sentiments were echoed by former FIFA referee and ex-head of the English referees' organization PGMOL, Keith Hackett, who opined, "[The penalty award] was an exaggerated interpretation of the handball rule." Hackett further questioned the use of VAR in this instance, expressing confusion over why the decision was ruled punishable.
However, Rice was quick to point out that the penalty call wasn't decisive. "Two mistakes from us, two goals for them, and we had plenty of chances, but we didn't finish," he emphasized. Arsenal had already lost 0:1 in the home leg.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's coach, felt that their team was the better one in both games and that the best player on the pitch was their goalkeeper. But despite the criticism, the penalty call remains a sour note in this closely contested semi-final.
[1] Source of controversy: The unusual circumstances surrounding the awarding of the penalty, including its unexpected timing and the use of VAR.
- In the midst of Arsenal's Champions League semi-final exit, the penalty awarded to Paris Saint-Germain by referee Felix Zwayer, following a VAR check (66'), has sparked much debate, with Declan Rice labeling it a "joke."
- The controversial decision was echoed by several sports analysts, including former English national player Rio Ferdinand who called it "horrible," and Martin Keown who found it "laughable."
- Ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett added to the discussion, criticizing the "exaggerated interpretation of the handball rule" and questioning the use of VAR in this instance.
- Despite the controversy, Declan Rice admitted that the penalty call wasn't decisive, acknowledging that Arsenal made two mistakes leading to two goals, and they had numerous chances to score but failed to finish.
