Alan Shearer has slammed the decision to award Paris Saint-Germain a penalty in their Champions League semi-final victory over Arsenal, branding it as "pathetic". Mikel Arteta's side arrived at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday evening determined to overturn their 1-0 defeat to the French side at the Emirates Stadium a week earlier.
Despite a promising start for the Gunners, PSG took the lead on the night, and 2-0 on aggregate, thanks to a remarkable strike from Fabian Ruiz.
However, Arsenal's fortunes took a turn for the worse in the second half when referee Felix Zwayer denied them a penalty after a challenge on Bukayo Saka, only to award one to PSG moments later.
The disputed decision came after Achraf Hakimi's shot was deemed to have been unintentionally handled by Myles Lewis-Skelly. But with no PSG players appealing for a penalty and Zwayer having to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor after missing it in real-time, the call has been widely slammed.
On The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer expressed his outrage, suggesting the referee seemed "apologetic" as he shrugged his shoulders at the players while reversing his initial decision.
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 07: Referee Felix Zwayer gestures as he speaks to Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Felix Zwayer shrugs his shoulders after awarding the contentious penalty (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
The former Newcastle United striker's criticism was echoed by Gary Lineker, who also shared his concerns about the state of VAR, reports the Mirror.
After querying his podcast colleague regarding the contentious spot-kick, Lineker shared his exasperation. "Oh, I mean, it was absurd. I mean, I really, I'm starting to really loathe VAR," he said. "I just don't think it's good for our game. It sucks the life out of it."
Shearer added: "I mean, when the referee went to the screen, even the commentators said they weren't sure what it was for and who it was going to be against.
"And it was like once he gave it, it was almost like he was apologetic to say, 'Well, I don't really have a choice here.' It's like there wasn't anyone, not one player, not anyone thought or saw that as a handball. It was just a pathetic decision."
TNT Sports pundits Martin Keown and Ally McCoist also lambasted the controversial penalty call. "Not a single player on the pitch appeals," The ex-Arsenal defender said.
Alan Shearer speaking into a microphone while on a podcast
Alan Shearer has blasted the call to give PSG a penalty (Image: Spotify/The Rest is Football)
"This is where VAR spoils it. It has been a fantastic contest but to finish the game and the tie in this way, it's ridiculous."
McCoist said: "Look at Hakimi. He doesn't even appeal for it, look for it, he's not interested in it! Shambles."
Despite Vitinha's ensuing penalty being saved by David Raya, PSG wrapped up the tie after Thomas Partey's error enabled Hakimi to curl in a second.
A late goal from Saka provided a glimmer of hope for Arsenal, but the French champions held on to secure a 3-1 aggregate victory, meaning it will be Luis Enrique's side who progress to the final in Munich, where they will face Inter Milan on May 31.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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