“There’s only one…”- Martin Keown and Ally McCoist were left spitting feathers in the commentary box at the Parc des Princes as VAR intervened to award Paris Saint-Germain a penalty in the Champions League second leg against Arsenal.
The hosts went into the fixture with a 1-0 lead and, despite a strong Arsenal start, were the first to score in the French capital after a Fabian Ruiz volley was deflected past David Raya. PSG then looked set to put the game to bed with just over 20 minutes to play when, out of nowhere, they were awarded a penalty.
There were few appeals on the pitch as the ball flew past Gunners full-back Lewis-Skelly but referee Felix Zwayer was called to the monitor by VAR. The German took little time to make his decision and blew for a penalty.
‘Ridiculous’: Martin Keown slams PSG penalty decision
Speaking on TNT Sports, Arsenal legend Keown said: “It’s ridiculous. This is where VAR spoils it. It’s been a fantastic contest, PSG, okay, are slightly ahead of Arsenal but to finish a game in this way is ridiculous. The fans around us are all shaking their hands and looking at our monitors, thinking, we got one there.”
A similar reaction from the PSG fans was also noted by BBC football reporter Alex Howell at the Parc des Princes. The journalist wrote: “There was pure disbelief around me when that penalty was given. The PSG players didn’t even appeal. Most near me thought the check was for a possible foul on Saka. Vintinha takes a poor penalty and Arsenal are still just in this tie.”
Scotsman McCoist added: “They cannot give this, but they will. You look at Hakimi, doesn’t even appeal for it. Doesn’t even look for it. He’s not interested in it. Shambles. Arteta is livid, and I have to say, I think I agree with him. Who’s the one person in the stadium that would have appealed for it? Hakimi!”
Vitinha stepped up for Paris Saint-Germain to take the spot kick but it was a feeble effort that was easy for Raya to save in the Arsenal goal. The Gunners will have felt that justice was done for the soft decision and set about looking to launch an unlikely comeback. Bukayo Saka did go on to pull a goal back but it was too little too late for the Gunners, who will finish the 2024/25 season without a piece of silverware.
Arsenal see ‘justice’ as Vitinha misses Champions League penalty
Speaking through gritted teeth, Keown reacted: “Absolutely. Justice is served. Raya gets down brilliant, he’s got to guess right and have the athleticism to make it.”
Meanwhile, McCoist criticised the PSG midfielder for how he went about executing the penalty. The pundit said: “I’d be having a word with Vitinha right now. At this stage, in the Champions League semi-final, running up to take a penalty like that. I’d be having a word with him.”
In other news, Liam Rosenior sends Arsenal 60-word gameplan tip after Strasboug beat PSG.