Arsenal supporters were left fuming on Tuesday night after a string of controversial refereeing decisions marred their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, but it was referee Slavko Vincic’s officiating that dominated post-match conversations both inside the stadium and across social media.
Tensions hit boiling point when Bukayo Saka was adjudged to have fouled Nuno Mendes with what many viewed as a minimal push in the back. Saka, who would have been through on goal, was also booked moments later for dissent after kicking the ball away.
Both teams also had potential penalty shouts waved away. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia appeared to be brought down by Myles Lewis-Skelly in the Arsenal box, while Joao Neves got away with a risky challenge on Mikel Merino though replays showed the Portuguese midfielder may have touched the ball first.
Online reactions were swift and scathing. One fan on X, @Culturecams, quipped: “Ref needs half time more than the players.”
Another, @BodegaaCat, added: “This ref has been shocking. Mendes fell over way before he was touched.”
Meanwhile, YouTuber and Arsenal fan Nepenthez didn’t hold back, tweeting: “This fcking ref man. Blowing every time a PSG player gets breathed on.”*
Still, some of Vincic’s decisions were justified. Myles Lewis-Skelly earned a yellow card after a series of fouls on Desire Doue, and the crowd responded with loud boos that echoed through the stadium.
The match itself got off to a disastrous start for the hosts, with Ousmane Dembele curling home the opener for PSG in the 4th minute capping off an intricate 27-pass move. Arsenal came close to equalizing through Saka before the break, but Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a key save to deny the England star.
With a 1-0 deficit and no away goal, Mikel Arteta’s side faces a daunting trip to the Parc des Princes for the second leg. The Gunners must now regroup and find a way past the French champions if they are to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
