“How Is That Not a Penalty?” Arsenal furious as penalty appeal on Noni Madueke is rejected in Champions League Final against PSG

By Samira Vishwas On May 31, 2026

Arsenal players and fans were left furious after a controversial penalty appeal involving Noni Madueke was waved away during the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday night.

The incident occurred after extra time when Madueke burst into the PSG penalty area from the right flank, using his pace to get ahead of defender Nuno Mendes. As the Arsenal winger moved into a dangerous position inside the box, Mendes appeared to make contact from behind, sending Madueke to the ground.

Despite strong appeals from Arsenal players, the referee immediately signaled for play to continue, judging that no foul had been committed. VAR also reviewed the incident and chose not to intervene, leaving the original decision unchanged.

Arsenal Players and Fans React

The decision sparked frustration among Arsenal supporters, who believed Madueke had been unfairly brought down inside the penalty area.

Replays appeared to show Mendes making contact with the Arsenal attacker as he attempted to recover his position. While some observers viewed the challenge as a coming together between the two players, many Arsenal fans felt the defender’s challenge was clumsy enough to warrant a spot-kick.

The lack of a VAR intervention only added to the controversy, with Arsenal players visibly unhappy as play continued.

Match details

Kai Havertz gave Arsenal a stunning sixth-minute lead, and the Gunners appeared on course for a famous first-ever European crown. PSG — seeking back-to-back Champions League titles — were level by the 65th minute through an Ousmane Dembélé penalty, awarded after Kvaratskhelia drew contact in the Arsenal box. The match went into extra time level at 1–1, the first Champions League final to do so since 2016.

The Madueke–Mendes incident in extra time remains the defining flashpoint so far, a decision that could ultimately determine whether Arsenal finally end their long wait for European glory.