Arsenal got off to the perfect start against Paris Saint-Germain, but there was one moment in the Champions League final which left the French side and the Gunners' rivals furious
18:16, 30 May 2026Updated 18:35, 30 May 2026
Bukayo Saka and his Arsenal team-mates celebrate their early goal
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Bukayo Saka and his Arsenal team-mates celebrate their early goal(Image: 2026 UEFA)
Rival supporters of Arsenal were left furious after Paris Saint-Germain were not given a penalty in the Champions League final. Mikel Arteta's side enjoyed a perfect start when Kai Havertz fired in an early opener after seven minutes.
PSG needed plenty of time to settle in, but they began to get control of the ball and carve out some minor chances in the first half. In the opening 45 minutes, they appealed for a penalty when a cross appeared to come off the arm of Bukayo Saka.
However, Champions League final referee Daniel Siebert waved the appeals away, citing the ball had hit Saka's leg before it hit his arm. Rival supporters were particularly upset, as they felt Leandro Trossard had handballed in the build-up to Havertz's early goal.
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PSG skipper Marquinhos tried to clear the ball up the pitch but kicked it straight at Trossard instead. The Belgian had both of his arms against his chest when the ball appeared to make contact with them.
While this was not deemed to be handball by the referee or the VAR team, fans watching at home did not agree with the decision. One fan wrote: "Havertz's goal should have been ruled out for handball by Trossard. PSG should have had a penalty because of Saka's handball."
Bukayo Saka playing in the Champions League final with the ball hitting his arm
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Many believe Saka should have conceded a penalty when the ball struck his arm(Image: TNT)
Bukayo Saka and his Arsenal team-mates celebrate their early goal
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Bukayo Saka and his Arsenal team-mates celebrate their early goal(Image: 2026 UEFA)
Another added: "I don't know what the rules are on a game to game basis anymore in football, but the Champions League this season, from a consistency point of view - this has been called a penalty for handball. Bukayo Saka is very lucky."
A third also tweeted: "Goal: Havertz. Assist: Both Trossard's arms. What a joke," before a fourth said: "It's not even a question, he hits it TWICE,' 'It hit both his arms how can it not be."
No matter the protestations of the PSG players or those at home, Havertz's goal was allowed to stand. The German became only the fourth player to score in two Champions League finals for two different teams.
Marquinhos kicking the ball at Leandro Trossard's arm
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Marquinhos kicked the ball at Leandro Trossard's arm before Kai Havertz's goal(Image: TNT Sports)
However, the Gunners were knocked back in the second half. Cristhian Mosquera's leg got tangled up with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the penalty area and Siebert pointed to the penalty spot.
At one stage, there was a worry Mosquera was going to be red carded having already picked up a booking early in the second period, but the card stayed in the referee's pocket. However, Mosquera was hauled off immediately after Ousmane Dembele fired in the equaliser from the spot-kick, with Jurrien Timber coming on from the bench.
Arteta also brought off captain Martin Odegaard to bring on Viktor Gyokeres, with Kai Havertz dropping into the No. 10 position.
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