# Arsenal penalty handball controversy

> Arsenal's penalty handball error cost them Champions League lead.
- Title: Arsenal penalty handball controversy · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: Arsenal's penalty handball error cost them Champions League lead. Arsenal conceded a penalty after Leah Williamson handball during a goal-kick in Women's…
- Keywords: arsenal, leah williamson, paris fc, women's champions league, penalty, handball, champions league, goal-kick, sports, controversy, BBC Sport
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cw07l7pk2gp4o
- Published: 2026-10-01T11:29:54.205+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: arsenal, leah williamson, paris fc, women's champions league, penalty, handball, champions league, goal-kick, sports
## Arsenal lead slips
Arsenal defender Leah Williamson handball during goal-kick led to penalty in 2-2 draw with Paris FC.
## Penalty conversion
Paris FC converted penalty with Maeline Mendy scoring to equalize the match.
## Goal-kick confusion
Arsenal goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez passed to Williamson who believed she was taking goal-kick but ball was stationary.
## Ifab rules
Ifab law states goal-kick is taken if ball is stationary in goal area and defender kicks it.
## Past handball errors
Tyrone Mings committed similar handball error in November 2024 Champions League match against Club Brugge.
## Arsenal response
Arsenal assistant coach Aaron D'Antino called it a learning experience for passing to Leah Williamson.
## Referee criticism
Former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie said referee miscalled handball decision despite correct law application.
## Key takeaway

Arsenal conceded a penalty after Leah Williamson handball during a goal-kick in Women's Champions League match against Paris FC.