Arsenal handball gives Paris FC equaliser in Women's Champions League

In the Champions League Femenina on Wednesday, Paris FC trailed Arsenal 2-1 when a bizarre handball in the dying minutes forced a penalty that restored parity. Goalkeeper Misa launched the ball from her area, Arsenal defender Leah Williamson of the Gunner seized it with her hand, and Romanian referee Iuliana Demetrescu pointed to the spot.

Handball triggers penalty and equaliser

Misa, the Spanish goalkeeper for Paris FC, sent the ball out at the 85th minute. Leah Williamson, assuming play had not resumed, crouched and handled the ball to place it, prompting Iuliana Demetrescu to award a penalty instantly. Maeline Mendy stepped up and slotted the spot‑kick, restoring parity with five minutes remaining. The decision came within seconds, and the match finished level.

Argentina saw a comparable mix‑up in 2023

A similar misunderstanding unfolded in Argentina’s Liga Profesional on 18 March 2023. Paolo Goltz of Colón intercepted a ball that goalkeeper Ignacio Chicco had just kicked, mistakenly believing the game was still stopped, and handled it before the restart, leading VAR official Nicolás Lamolina to confirm a penalty after a brief review. Independiente’s M. Giménez converted, securing a 2‑1 win for the visitors in the eighth round of the season.

Arsenal pressure Paris FC early as N'Dongala creates 17th‑minute chance at Jean Bouin

Olé highlighted the incident, and supplied the video that captured the bizarre sequence, underscoring how rare such errors are in the league phase of the Champions League Femenina. The replay showed that a simple miscommunication can alter a high‑stakes European fixture, prompting coaches to stress awareness of the ball’s status.