Arsenal defender Leah Williamson was at the heart of a bizarre incident in their Women's Champions League draw with Paris FC.
Arsenal's assistant coach Aaron D'Antino explained that, while the intention was for Williamson to take the goal-kick, they will use the incident as a learning experience. "If we're looking at what we can control, it's just passing the ball to Leah from what I remember seeing. The ball was still rolling and she [Rodriguez] was moving it to Leah for her to take the goal-kicks as we normally do," said D'Antino.
Former Arsenal and Scotland defender Jen Beattie felt the referee Iuliana Demetrescu got the decision wrong, despite the correct applications of the laws. "For me, I just don't even know how that happens. Leah knows it's a goal-kick, she's catching the ball. That's shocking from the referee," Beattie told Paramount+.
"Leah's obviously going [to do that] because she's going to take the goal-kick, not because she's worried about the press or trying to change it - or panicking in any situation. Leah Williamson doesn't panic in those moments, she knows what she's doing. The goalkeeper knows what she's doing as well. The referee has miscalled it."
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing