Arabic version: ركلة جزاء بسبب لمسة يد ويليامسون تكلف أرسنال في باريس

According to BBC News, Arsenal defender Leah Williamson was penalised for handball during a goal-kick sequence as the Gunners drew 2-2 with Paris FC in the Women’s Champions League on Wednesday. Maeline Mendy converted the resulting penalty after Arsenal had led 2-1 late in the match.

The incident followed a goal-kick, when Arsenal goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez played a short pass to Williamson. Williamson stopped the ball with her hand, believing the goal-kick had not yet been taken and that she would place the ball to take it herself. However, because the ball was stationary in the goal area when Rodriguez kicked it, the restart was deemed to have been taken.

Guidance in Law 16 of the International Football Association Board’s laws states that a goal-kick is taken when a stationary ball within the goal area is kicked by any defending player. Law 12 says it is an offence for a player to deliberately touch the ball with their hand or arm. As Williamson handled the ball after it was in play and inside Arsenal’s penalty area, the penalty award was in line with the laws.

The draw left Arsenal fourth in the Champions League table after two games; victory in the French capital would have placed them second. Assistant coach Aaron D’Antino said Arsenal would treat the moment as a learning experience, suggesting the team should consider how the ball is passed to Williamson for goal-kicks. Former Arsenal and Scotland defender Jen Beattie disagreed with referee Iuliana Demetrescu’s call, although the laws supported the decision.

Similar incidents have occurred in the Champions League. Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings made an identical error against Club Brugge in November 2024, when Hans Vanaken scored the penalty in a 1-0 Brugge win. Earlier in 2024, Arsenal’s Gabriel handled the ball in a comparable situation against Bayern Munich, but Arsenal were allowed to retake the goal-kick.