Arsenal were facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final with the French club appealing for a penalty in the first half
18:23, 30 May 2026Updated 18:36, 30 May 2026
Bukayo Saka
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PSG appeal for a penalty for a potential handball from Arsenal's Bukayo Saka(Image: TNT Sports)
TNT Sports pundits were in agreement with their verdict on whether Paris Saint-Germain should have been awarded a penalty in the Champions League final against Arsenal. The French club were appealing for a spot-kick for a potential handball by Bukayo Saka in the first half in Budapest.
Arsenal took an early lead in the final at the Puskas Arena thanks to a sublime strike from Kai Havertz, who was named in the starting line-up ahead of teammate Viktor Gyokeres by Mikel Arteta.
Not long after, PSG were appealing for a penalty for a potential handball from Saka, with the referee not pointing to the spot and VAR agreeing with the onfield decision.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown was on punditry duty for TNT Sports’ coverage of the Champions League final in Hungary, and explained why he believes the correct decision was made not to award a penalty.
“Nope. I think the referee has a fantastic view of it,” he said. “We have seen penalties given in the Champions League for less than that this season, but it's not in the spirit. He just throws his arm at it.”
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was alongside Keown and agreed with the former Arsenal star on his verdict.
“Even from a bias Liverpool point of view, I don't think that's a pen,” Gerrard said.
Ally McCoist was on commentary duty for TNT Sports and echoed the views of Keown and Gerrard.
“No, not for me. I mean, I think it's accidental, I don't think there's any advantage at all, he's not seeking any advantage,” McCoist said.
“I don't think Paris Saint-Germain really would've got any advantage, I don't think we want to see penalties for that, just my opinion.”
Former Arsenal Jack Wilshere was also on punditry duty for TNT Sports and gave a clear verdict on whether or not he believed a penalty should have been awarded.
“You don't want to see them given, not a penalty for me,” Wilshere said.
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PSG were eventually awarded a penalty in the second half for a foul by Cristhian Mosquera on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele scoring from the spot to equalise for the Ligue 1 giants.