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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Merino adjudged to have handled ball </li><li>Yann Sommer got away with alleged punch</li><li>Fans stunned by decisions</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'The handball rule is a shambles' - Football fans flummoxed as Arsenal see hugely controversial penalty awarded against Mikel Merino in Inter Champions League clash - as Yann Sommer 'punch' goes unpunished

Serie A

Verona

Inter

Premier League

Nottingham Forest

<p>Merino was punished after the ball hit his hand in the penalty area in close quarters during Arsenal's Champions League clash with Inter. As a result, a spot-kick was awarded, and Hakan Calhanoglu coolly converted. The decision came after Yann Sommer appeared to punch Merino in the head while attempting to claim a cross, but he was not punished.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p><a href="https://x.com/HLTCO/status/1854265088150269952" target="_blank">@HLTCO</a> said: "This handball rule for penalties in the Champions League is a shambles; I know it’s the same for every club in it but it’s ridiculous. Defenders can’t have arms it seems."</p><p><a href="https://x.com/Gunnersc0m/status/1854266443510276488" target="_blank">@Gunnerscom</a> added: "Punched in the head = No penalty. 'Handball' from one yard away = penalty."</p><p><a href="https://x.com/PhilippeAuclair/status/1854266576641380759" target="_blank">@PhilippeAuclair</a> said: "A suggestion to sort out the mess that is the current handball law. All handballs in the box sanctioned? Fine. If deliberate, penalty. If not, indirect free-kick, which is also great fun for spectators. Keep punishment commensurate with the offence. Right now, it isn't."</p><p><a href="https://x.com/Tgarratt10/status/1854265697981132899" target="_blank">@TGarratt10</a> said: "It’s a harsh handball but that’s the laws in Europe. I suspect Arsenal fans will be pretty level headed and understanding towards that…"</p><p><a href="https://x.com/AFC_Monty_/status/1854265474592186482" target="_blank">@AFCMonty</a> added: "Merino punched in the face. No penalty. A handball from a deflection 2cm away. Penalty. I do not want to talk about the refs. But when it happens every f*cking week my god man."</p><p><a href="https://x.com/WaynesWorld20_/status/1854265769787535445" target="_blank">@WaynesWorld20_</a> concluded: "At least our fans can use the Sommer incident &amp; this handball to use as a mask for another boring half of football. Can use the excuses to cover up the actual issues."</p>

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

<p>There has been plenty of controversy surrounding refereeing decisions involving Arsenal this season, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/mikel-arteta-admits-arsenal-need-to-eradicate-red-cards-unwanted-habit-appeal-william-saliba-dismissal/blt2cf6a06f583457b4" target="_blank">with three Gunners players sent off throughout the campaign</a>. Their latest misadventure with the officials is likely to spark even more heated debate.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Arsenal play Chelsea in a huge London derby this weekend. They are currently fifth in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Liverpool. </p>

WHAT NEXT?

'The handball rule is a shambles' - Football fans flummoxed as Arsenal see hugely controversial penalty awarded against Mikel Merino in Inter Champions League clash - as Yann Sommer 'punch' goes unpunished | Goal.com

Fans have been left fuming after Arsenal conceded a controversial penalty against Inter, after a Mikel Merino handball.

&apos;The handball rule is a shambles&apos; - Football fans flummoxed as Arsenal see hugely controversial penalty awarded against Mikel Merino in Inter Champions League clash - as Yann Sommer &apos;punch&apos; goes unpunished