Why penalty for Williamson handball was correct call

Arsenal conceded a late penalty after defender Leah Williamson touched the ball with her hand during a 2-2 draw against Paris FC in the Women's Champions League. Goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez played a stationary goal-kick to Williamson, who grabbed the ball intending to take the kick herself. Referee Iuliana Demetrescu awarded a penalty that Maeline Mendy converted to equalize for the hosts.

Under IFAB Laws 12 and 16, the penalty decision was technically correct because the ball was already in play when touched deliberately inside the penalty area. Arsenal assistant coach Aaron D'Antino called the play a learning experience, while former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie criticized the referee's application of the rule given the lack of intent.