Arsenal handed new Khvicha Kvaratskhelia referee penalty verdict after PSG Champions League loss

Arsenal handed new Khvicha Kvaratskhelia referee penalty verdict after PSG Champions League loss Newspoint | 01/05/2025 06:39:15

have been handed a fresh penalty verdict following their narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday night’s semi-final first leg.

The Gunners’ hopes of reaching next month’s final in Munich were dealt a blow after the French champions secured a slim advantage at the Emirates Stadium. Ousmane Dembele scored the game’s only goal inside the opening five minutes, while ’s side were denied an equaliser by VAR in the second half.

A one-goal deficit is far from insurmountable, but Arsenal face a difficult task travelling to the Parc des Princes needing a win. While the match certainly lively, headlines have since been dominated by controversial refereeing decisions.

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Arsenal had a penalty appeal waved away when appeared to be fouled by Joao Neves, while PSG were also denied a spot-kick after brought down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the box.

Now, the Gunners have been handed a new verdict on that incident, which took place in the 16th minute with PSG already ahead. According to ’s refereeing consultant Saïd Ennjimi, a penalty should have been awarded.

"There was a penalty," he told the French news outlet. 'Kvara was caught by the arm, he's adding a little bit, but it deserved a penalty.

"It's also incomprehensible that Timber didn't get a yellow card for his big foul on Kvara."

Ennjimi, who became a FIFA referee in 2008, is registered as a Fédéral 1 referee in France. It means he is eligible to officiate Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches, as well as matches in the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue.

Arsenal must first turn their attention to Premier League action this weekend, with a crucial home clash against Bournemouth. Champions League qualification for next season is still not guaranteed, and with six clubs battling for a top-five finish, every point will be vital.

Then, on Wednesday night, Arsenal travel to Paris to face PSG in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, hoping to overturn a one-goal deficit and book a place in the final for the first time since 2006. That said, PSG have already established themselves as one of Europe’s dominant forces this season, having knocked out Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Liverpool and Aston Villa in earlier rounds.