Penalty drama sees Arsenal lose two-goal advantage against Paris FC

In a moment that stunned the Gunners, Leah Williamson’s handball in the 87th minute gave Paris FC a penalty that levelled the Women’s Champions League tie after Arsenal had built a two‑goal advantage. The incident unfolded on 30 September 2026, reported by TARA ANSON‑WALSH for FOOTBALL.

Renee Slegers’ side had struggled for goals this season, but Alessia Russo broke her drought with a clinical finish in the 41st minute. Six minutes later Georgia Stanway, who joined the north London club from Bayern Munich in the summer, added her first goal of the campaign.

Paris FC mount comeback

Paris FC bided their time and struck on the counter twenty minutes after Stanway’s goal, restoring parity. In the 87th minute a miscommunication between Williamson and goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez led to the handball, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Maeline Mendy stepped up and converted the spot‑kick, sending the match to a draw. Williamson appeared visibly devastated as the equaliser fell.

Handball costs Arsenal precious points in the Champions League while Slegers avoids the press

Replays showed the ball had stopped after Rodriguez threw it before kicking it to Williamson, meaning the goal‑kick was still in play. According to IFAB’s Laws of the Game, a goal kick is in play once the ball is stationary and kicked from within the goal area, so the referee’s decision was upheld.

Press fallout and title race

Slegers chose to skip the post‑match press conference, sending assistant coach Aaron D'Antino in her place. D’Antino said, “We didn’t think it was a penalty, we don’t think the goal kick had actually been taken for what we had seen. But it goes to VAR and apparently that’s a penalty.”

Leah Williamson's handball forces Arsenal penalty in Champions League

The Dutch coach now faces a weekend clash with champions Manchester City, while Arsenal have won only one of their opening four WSL games and secured a narrow 1‑0 win over HB Koge in their Champions League opener last week. After summer signings such as Stanway and World Cup winner Ona Batlle, the Gunners sit seven points behind league leaders City, and a defeat could end their title hopes.