TNT commentators fume at 'ridiculous' PSG vs Arsenal decision as VAR slammed

The TNT commentary team at the Parc des Princes were left stunned when were awarded a penalty against Arsenal on Wednesday night in their semi-final clash. Whilst leading 1-0, 2-0 on aggregate, the Ligue 1 outfit were offered the chance to double their lead in the second half following a shock VAR review.

After Achraf Hakimi's shot was blocked by Myles Lewis-Skelly, play was halted after VAR announced that they were reviewing the incident for a handball. Replays then showed that the ball had hit the outstretched hand of the Gunners fullback from close range.

Referee Felix Zwayer was then sent to the pitch-side monitor to take a look at the replay, and the German official quickly ruled that PSG would be awarded a penalty and the chance to try and put the game to bed after Fabian Ruiz had opened the scoring in the 27th minute.

Reacting to the decision, former Gunners star Martin Keown said: "It's ridiculous. This is where VAR spoils it. It's been a fantastic contest but this now... to finish a game this way, ridiculous."

Fellow TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist added: "You cannot give this but he will. Look at Hakimi. Doesn't even appeal for it or look for it. He's not interested in it. Shambles. I knew (Mikel) Arteta was livid. I have to say, I think I agree with him."

PSG failed to take advantage of the harsh decision though, with Arsenal's David Raya managing to outwit Vitinha's spot-kick by standing his ground for the entirety of the midfielder's slow run-up before getting down well to his left to parry the effort wide.

Les Parisiens did manage to double their lead just three minutes later though when Hakimi whipped his strike into the far corner to send the home crowd into a frenzy. The Gunners didn't go down without a fight though, having missed a series of early chances prior to PSG's opener.

Bukayo Saka halved the deficit in the 76th minute when bundling his effort past Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Arteta's side continued to push late on. Saka then failed to bag his brace when skying his shot over the bar from close range when the goal was at his mercy, with PSG then managing to run down the clock and book their spot in the final against Inter Milan.