Fans of Arsenal’s rivals were left livid after two handball decisions went in favour of the Gunners in the first-half of the Champions League final.
Arsenal got off to the perfect start against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, with Kai Havertz, selected ahead of Viktor Gyokeres, fired in from a tight angle to give his side the lead.
But some fans were left puzzled by the decision to let the goal stand, after the ball hit Leandro Trossard in the build-up.
The goal came about when PSG captain Marquinhos tried to clear the ball, but kicked it straight at Trossard. The ball bounced off the forward and into the path of Havertz, who would run towards goal and fire in.
Replays, however, showed that the ball cannoned off Trossard’s arm, yet the goal was still allowed to stand.
Fans of Arsenal’s rivals were left livid after two handball let-offs in the Champions League final – including an incident with Bukayo Saka
There were also questions over why Kai Havertz’s goal was allowed to stand after the ball hit Leandro Tossard’s hand in the build-up
‘Havertz goal should’ve been ruled out for handball by Trossard,’ one fan wrote on X. ‘We are witnessing corruption in real time.’
Another posted: ‘Goal: Havertz. Assist: Both Trossard’s arms. What a joke.’
A third posted: ‘Is that not a handball assist from Trossard?’
A second incident came just minutes later, when Bukayo Saka tried to clear a bouncing ball in his own penalty box.
With the ball dipping, England star Saka tried to volley the ball clear, but kicked thin air, with the ball bouncing up and hitting him in the hand. A number of PSG players appealed, but, again, the decision was not given.
Again, fans took to social media to make their feelings known.
‘I don’t know what the rules are on a game to game basis anymore in football,’ one wrote. ‘But in the Champions league this season from a consistency point of view – this has been called a penalty for handball.
‘Bukayo Saka is very lucky.’
Other criticisms included ‘It’s not even a question, he hits it TWICE,’ ‘It hit both his arms how can it not be,’ and ‘They will say that is his natural position, VAR is silent.’
