Williamson handball gifts Paris FC penalty as Arsenal surrender two-goal Champions League lead

Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Paris FC in the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Wednesday, with a bizarre Leah Williamson handball in the closing stages handing the French side a late equaliser from the penalty spot.

Goals from Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway had the Gunners in comfortable control inside the opening 50 minutes. Clara Mateo pulled one back for Paris FC in the 72nd minute, but it was a defensive mix-up that ultimately cost Arsenal the win. Goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez played the ball toward Williamson, who appeared to believe the goal kick had not yet been taken. She stopped the ball with her hands, seemingly intending to take the kick herself. The referee immediately awarded a penalty for handball, leaving Williamson and her team-mates visibly frustrated.

Paris FC converted from the spot in the 87th minute to complete a remarkable comeback and deny Arsenal what would have been an important three points.

The incident echoes a similar moment involving Aston Villa and England defender Tyrone Mings in the men’s Champions League against Club Brugge in November 2024, when he was penalised under the same rule.

Adding to the intrigue surrounding the result, manager Renee Slegers did not fulfil her post-match media duties — a requirement under UEFA regulations. Assistant coach Aaron D’Antino took questions in her place, with reports suggesting Slegers was too angry following the result to face the media.

Slegers took over as Arsenal’s interim head coach in October 2024 following Jonas Eidevall’s departure and was appointed permanently in January 2025. She has since guided the club to considerable success, including Champions League glory in May 2025 — Arsenal’s first European title in 18 years — and the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in January 2026.

Despite that recent pedigree, Arsenal’s current campaign has been a struggle. Wednesday’s draw leaves the Gunners with just five points from their opening fixtures, and questions are beginning to mount about their form.