Williamson's bizarre handball gifts Paris FC late penalty to deny Arsenal in Women's Champions League

Leah Williamson’s controversial handball conceded a stoppage-time penalty as Arsenal threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Paris FC in the Women’s Champions League on Wednesday, leaving manager Renee Slegers to reflect on two dropped points.

Alessio Russo and Georgia Stanway had put Arsenal firmly in control, only for Clara Mateo to pull one back in the 72nd minute before the game turned on a deeply contentious moment three minutes from time. Goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez played a goal kick to Williamson, who placed her hand on the ball apparently believing play had not resumed. Referee Iuliana Demetrescu disagreed and pointed to the spot, and Maeline Mendy converted to earn Paris a share of the spoils.

Russo had opened her Champions League account for the campaign in the 41st minute, finishing into the bottom corner after exchanging passes with Kim Little. Stanway then doubled the lead five minutes after half-time, reacting quickest to Emily Fox’s cross and firing home on the half-volley — Arsenal’s first time scoring more than once in a game this season.

Mateo’s slick finish, after rounding Rodriguez, gave Paris hope before Williamson’s inadvertent handball handed them the chance to level. The England captain appeared to have been caught in a moment of confusion over whether the ball was live, but the referee’s interpretation proved decisive.

The result compounds a difficult run for Slegers, who had already faced scrutiny following a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League at the weekend. She had responded by restoring Stanway and Lisa Baum to the starting lineup in Paris, and both contributed positively before the late collapse undid their work.

Arsenal’s failure to see out a commanding lead will sting, particularly given the fine margins that can separate progression and elimination in the group stage of the Women’s Champions League.