Myles Lewis-Skelly David Raya Felix Zwayer
(Credit: TNT Sports on YouTube)
Keith Hackett
Thu 8 May 2025 16:10, UK
Arsenal have every right to be unhappy after a dismal performance from VAR and referee Felix Zwayer according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the VAR team had failed to “respect the criteria” of what defined a clear and obvious error by the referee.
Having sunk 15 points behind Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title, the Champions League became the Gunners’ only focus, with Mikel Arteta fielding weakened teams domestically.
Arsenal stunned Real Madrid by beating them 5-1 on aggregate, propelling them to their first semi-final since 2009.
However, their opponents, PSG, had made a habit of beating English teams during their run to the last four, and it was the same story when they faced off against the North London side.
The French side took a 1-0 lead in the tie at the Emirates, before Arsenal were comfortably beaten 2-1 in Paris on Wednesday evening (7 May).
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But despite PSG ultimately being the better side on the night, several decisions made by Zwayer were called into question after the match.
PSG awarded penalty after Myles Lewis-Skelly handball
Midway through the second half and looking to extend their 1-0 lead on the night, Achraf Hakimi played a one-two with Desire Doue, before cutting inside.
The Moroccan right-back, popping up on the left wing for his side, hit a tame effort goalward that glanced off Myles Lewis-Skelly‘s hand and was comfortably saved by David Raya.
Hakimi put his hands to his head, frustrated not to have made more of a good opportunity, whilst his teammates ran back, looking to reset in their defensive structure.
Match stats PSG Arsenal
Possession 46% 54%
Shots (on target) 11 (6) 19 (4)
Expected goals 1.74 xG 2.91 xG
Big chances (missed) 2 (2) 4 (3)
Corners 2 6
However, there was a moment of confusion when Zwayer pointed to his ear, before signalling his intention to review the incident at the VAR monitor, with it initially unclear which team was set to benefit.
PSG were then awarded a penalty for Lewis-Skelly’s handball, which Raya saved, but the decision drew the ire of an ex-FIFA referee.
Keith Hackett reviews footage of PSG penalty decision
Having analysed the incident, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett told Football Insider exclusively that the handball decision was “incorrect” and Arsenal have every right to be frustrated: “Once again, we see an overindulgent VAR wanting to get involved and failing to respect the criteria of clear and obvious error by the referee.
“We are also aware that when the referee is asked to view the pitch side monitor, they automatically capitulate and go with what the VAR has seen.
“The interpretation of the handball law in this incident is incorrect, and Arsenal have every right to be unhappy.
“The fact that it was saved should not detract from the fact that it was a very poor decision by the officials.”
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