In the electric atmosphere of the Emirates Stadium, the first leg of the 2025 Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain delivered a tense, controversial spectacle. PSG emerged with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a third-minute strike from Ousmane Dembele, but the post-match spotlight fell not on the goal but on PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett labeled the Italian’s actions “absolutely disgraceful,” accusing him of “cheating” and demanding a ban for behavior that tarnished the spirit of the game. The incident, which unfolded late in the match, has ignited a firestorm of debate about fair play and refereeing in high-stakes European football.
The match began with PSG’s blistering start, as Dembele capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire past Arsenal’s David Raya, silencing the north London crowd. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, grew into the game, pressing relentlessly and forcing Donnarumma into several acrobatic saves. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli tested the Italian’s reflexes, but PSG’s counter-attacking threat, led by Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, kept Arsenal on edge. As the clock ticked down, a crucial moment at a corner kick shifted the narrative. Donnarumma, defending his goal, went to ground after minimal contact from Arsenal’s Ben White, clutching his face to win a free-kick. The decision halted Arsenal’s momentum, and Hackett was incensed, declaring, “This absolutely disgraceful behaviour is ‘cheating’ and those that work to uphold the integrity of our great game must ensure that action is taken and the goalkeeper is issued with a ban.”
Hackett, a former FIFA official and PGMOL chief, argued that Donnarumma’s theatrics violated the sport’s ethos, as outlined by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). “This game was viewed around the world and does not set a good example of how the game should be played,” he fumed, urging retrospective punishment to deter simulation. The incident wasn’t isolated—Arsenal fans also booed referee Slavko Vincic at halftime, frustrated by decisions like a foul called against Saka for a push on Nuno Mendes, which Hackett deemed a “non-foul.” “I see praise for the referee last night, but his team have failed to see this action by the goalkeeper,” Hackett added, pointing to a broader failure in officiating.
The controversy was compounded by pre-match tensions. Arsenal’s decision to slash PSG’s ticket allocation for the Emirates clash prompted the French club to reciprocate, setting a contentious tone. On the pitch, referee Vincic, who had officiated Arsenal’s 2-0 win over PSG in the Champions League league phase in October, maintained a lenient approach, issuing only two yellow cards—one to Saka for dissent and one to PSG’s Vitinha. Arsenal’s penalty appeals, including a claim when Mikel Merino was felled by Joao Neves, were waved away, while PSG escaped scrutiny over a potential penalty when Jurrien Timber tangled with Kvaratskhelia. “The stop-start nature of the game and the referee’s decisions were clearly felt by those in the stadium,” one observer noted, capturing the frustration that permeated the stands.
For Arsenal, the loss is a bitter pill as they head to Paris for the second leg. Arteta, who has faced criticism for Arsenal’s European record, was urged by Ian Wright to adjust tactics after “missing a trick” in the first leg. “We’ve been incredibly poor, totally outplayed & lacking ideas in the final third,” one fan lamented online, reflecting the sentiment that Donnarumma’s antics, while infuriating, weren’t the sole reason for defeat. PSG’s suffocating press and clinical finishing exposed Arsenal’s vulnerabilities, with Dembele’s goal—his 15th in 23 games this season—underscoring their lethal edge.
Hackett’s call for a ban taps into a broader debate about simulation in football. Donnarumma’s actions, while effective in securing the free-kick, have drawn parallels to infamous incidents like Rivaldo’s 2002 World Cup theatrics. As Arsenal regroup, the focus shifts to whether UEFA will act on Hackett’s plea or if Donnarumma’s gamesmanship will go unpunished. With the tie hanging in the balance, the second leg promises more drama, as Arsenal chase redemption and PSG aim to protect their slender lead. For now, Donnarumma’s “disgraceful” moment remains a flashpoint, a reminder that in the cauldron of Champions League football, every action carries weight.