A controversial penalty was awarded to PSG after the ball struck Alphonso Davies' body before hitting his arm, and Ousmane Dembele converted to make it 3-2 in their 5-4 win over Bayern Munich. Referee Sandro Schaerer reviewed the incident on the pitch-side monitor and upheld the decision, according to Agence France-Presse, leaving questions over the official's interpretation of the handball rule.
Several pundits and former players stated the penalty should not have been given. According to Fotbollskanalen, Harry Kane described the penalty as harsh and noted that the rule typically states it is not handball if the ball hits the body first. According to Daily Mail - Sport, Alan Shearer called the decision 'nonsense', explaining that once the ball comes off the leg onto the arm, it should not be a penalty. Wayne Rooney said he did not think it was a penalty, with the ball hitting the thigh first. Sky Sports pundit Daniel Sturridge agreed but suggested the referee might have given it due to the nature of the hand reaction. It remains unclear what specific advice the VAR gave to the referee before his monitor review.
Once I see that deflection on his arm, then that for me, shouldn't be a penalty. I don't agree with that, I really don't agree with it. Once it comes off his leg onto his arm, then for me, that's a different story. If it hits his arm, okay, I might accept. But once it comes off a different part of his body and onto his arm, what's he meant to do? I think the handballs are nonsense. I think they've tied themselves up in knots over the years trying to get somewhere, which is fair. And I don't think that is, but there you go.
Further reactions came from former players and officials. BT Sport pundit Glenn Hoddle called the decision 'diabolical' and said it spoiled the game. BT Sport analyst Mark Clattenburg said the arm was close enough to the body to not award a penalty. Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards said the ball hit the leg first, so it should never have been a penalty. The controversy has led to calls for an official explanation.
After the penalty, PSG extended their lead to 5-2 through goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele, according to AFP. Bayern then scored twice through Dayot Upamecano and Luis Diaz to make it 5-4, according to AFP. The return leg is scheduled in Germany next week, according to AFP. Bayern manager Vincent Kompany was quoted by AFP as saying his team suffered but were dangerous and still believe ahead of the second leg, adding that their attacking performance gives them confidence.
I am fuming what a game spoilt by a diabolical decision!! These refs are making a mockery of our game. It's disgraceful. Never ever a pen.
It was a few small things that went against us, especially the penalty. It hits his body first and then the arm. I think it's harsh. I'm pretty sure the rule says it's not handball when the ball hits the body first. But it's a Champions League semi-final and I hope the referees know the rules and that he got it right. I'm not a hundred percent sure. It's harsh. When it hits the body, I don't know where you're supposed to put your hands. It went against us today.