Saka handball appeal waved away as Arsenal lead PSG at half-time in Champions League

Referee Daniel Siebert waved away PSG’s penalty appeals after the ball struck Bukayo Saka on both arms inside Arsenal’s penalty area, with the Gunners holding a 1-0 lead at half-time in their Champions League clash. Kai Havertz had given Mikel Arteta’s side the lead after just six minutes, but Arsenal were forced to defend for long stretches of the opening half.

The incident arose from a corner kick that fell directly to Saka on the edge of the area. The England international misjudged the flight of the ball, and it appeared to bounce up off the ground and strike him on the arm — prompting furious protests from PSG players who were adamant a spot kick should have been awarded.

Siebert, however, was unmoved, and the pundits on commentary backed his call unanimously. Ally McCoist acknowledged the ball made contact — “it hits his right arm, it probably hits his left too” — but was clear on his verdict: “No, not for me. I think it’s accidental, I don’t think there’s any advantage at all. I don’t think we want to see penalties for that.”

Martin Keown agreed at half-time, noting the referee had a clear sightline. “We have seen penalties given in the Champions League for less than that this season, but it’s not in the spirit. He just throws his arm at it,” the former Arsenal defender said.

Steven Gerrard, despite acknowledging a potential bias given his Liverpool connections, was equally firm: “Even from a bias Liverpool point of view, I don’t think that’s a pen.”

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere echoed the consensus: “You don’t want to see them given, not a penalty for me.”

The decision preserved Arsenal’s advantage heading into the second half, with PSG needing a response to stay alive in the tie.