A peculiar error from Arsenal defender Leah Williamson proved costly for the Gunners in their Women's Champions League match against Paris FC on Wednesday. With Arsenal leading 2-1 late in the game, England captain Williamson stopped a short goal-kick with her hand, under the impression she was meant to take it.
This unusual incident led to a penalty being awarded to the hosts, which Maeline Mendy converted, securing a 2-2 draw. The International Football Association Board's (Ifab) Law 16 states that a goal-kick is considered taken if the ball is kicked by any defending player while stationary within the goal area. Law 12 also specifies that deliberately touching the ball with a hand or arm is an offence.
Arsenal's assistant coach Aaron D'Antino acknowledged the incident as a learning experience, suggesting they will review how the ball is delivered for goal-kicks to prevent similar situations. Former Arsenal and Scotland defender Jen Beattie, however, expressed frustration, believing the referee Iuliana Demetrescu made the wrong call despite the correct application of the laws.
Similar incidents have occurred previously, with Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings making an identical error in November 2024, leading to a penalty for Club Brugge. Earlier that year, Arsenal's Gabriel also made a similar mistake against Bayern Munich, though in that instance, Arsenal were allowed to retake the goal-kick.