Arsenal Draws Paris in Women’s Champions League After Bizarre Penalty
Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Paris at the Stade Jean-Bouin after an 87th-minute penalty was awarded for an accidental handball. According to sport.cz, the visiting English side controlled the match comfortably until the closing stages before the unusual infraction altered the result.
The 87th-Minute Incident at Stade Jean-Bouin
The controversy began when Arsenal goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez retrieved a ball from behind her goal line. Rodriguez tossed the ball back into play and apparently delivered it to teammate Leah Williamson while it was still rolling. Evelyne Viens rushed forward to press the defender. Williamson instinctively stopped the ball with her hand at the 7:57 mark of the match footage, apparently believing the restart had not officially occurred. Viens immediately appealed for a handball, and referee Iuliana Demetrescu pointed to the penalty spot. The VAR review upheld the decision despite protests from the Arsenal players, allowing Maeline Mendy to convert the penalty kick and equalize for the hosts.
Slegers Misses Press Conference as Assistant Protests Decision
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers did not attend the post-match press conference due to frustration over the late equalizer. Assistant coach Aaron D’Antino spoke to the media in his place to contest the officiating decision. “The way the game ended is an incredible disappointment for us,” D’Antino said during the briefing. “We don’t think it was a penalty. In my opinion, the goal kick by our goalkeeper wasn’t even taken yet. Leah gained no advantage by stopping the ball.”
Arsenal Loses Lead in Late Draw
Arsenal had built a secure two-goal advantage before Paris began its comeback with a 72nd-minute goal that initially failed to destabilize the visitors. The London club maintained its defensive shape until the final minutes of regulation time. The unexpected draw leaves both teams sharing the points in the European fixture.
Who Scored and Officiated the Paris Match?
Who scored the equalizing goal for Paris?
Maeline Mendy scored the 87th-minute penalty kick that leveled the score at 2-2 following the handball ruling against Arsenal.
Which referee officiated the match?
Iuliana Demetrescu served as the referee for the fixture at the Stade Jean-Bouin and awarded the late penalty after a VAR review.
Why did Renee Slegers skip the post-match press conference?
Renee Slegers was too upset by the match’s conclusion to attend, prompting assistant coach Aaron D’Antino to handle media duties instead.
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