Arsenal made a flying start against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, but the opening exchanges were quickly shrouded in controversy.
Kai Havertz fired Arsenal ahead after just seven minutes, giving Mikel Arteta’s side the perfect platform in the showpiece occasion.
PSG took time to find their footing in the match but gradually began to gain control of possession and create opportunities in the first half.
The French side appealed for a penalty in the opening 45 minutes when a cross appeared to strike the arm of Bukayo Saka inside the box.
Referee Daniel Siebert waved away the appeals, ruling that the ball had made contact with Saka’s leg before it struck his arm.
The decision drew anger from rival supporters, who pointed to what they believed was a Leandro Trossard handball in the build-up to Havertz’s opener.
PSG captain Marquinhos had attempted to clear the ball forward, only to kick it straight to Trossard, whose arms appeared to be against his chest on contact.
Neither the referee nor the VAR team deemed the incident to constitute a handball, but many fans watching at home strongly disagreed with that verdict.
One fan wrote: “Havertz’s goal should have been ruled out for handball by Trossard. PSG should have had a penalty because of Saka’s handball.”
Another supporter added: “I don’t know what the rules are on a game to game basis anymore in football, but the Champions League this season, from a consistency point of view, this has been called a penalty for handball. Bukayo Saka is very lucky.”
A third wrote: “Goal: Havertz. Assist: Both Trossard’s arms. What a joke,” while a fourth stated: “It’s not even a question, he hits it TWICE. It hit both his arms how can it not be.”
The dual controversy surrounding Trossard’s involvement in the goal and Saka’s unpunished arm contact left a significant portion of the watching public deeply frustrated with the officiating decisions made during the final.
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