Explained: Why VAR Didn't Give Handball As Penalty In Bayern Vs PSG Champions League?

Last Updated:May 07, 2026, 10:15 IST

PSG reach second straight Champions League final after 1-1 draw at Bayern for 6-5 aggregate, Bayern rage at non-penalty handball call on Joao Neves under IFAB rules

Bayern Munich were left furious after a controversial handball decision during their UEFA Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, with players, coaching staff and supporters all stunned that a penalty was not awarded at the Allianz Arena.

PSG advanced to a second consecutive Champions League final after securing a 6-5 aggregate victory following a 1-1 draw in Munich. An early goal from Ousmane Dembele and a late response from Harry Kane ultimately proved enough for the French champions to progress, but much of the post-match discussion centred on a contentious first-half incident involving Joao Neves.

With Bayern trailing 1-0 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate, PSG midfielder Vitinha attempted to clear the ball inside his own penalty area midway through the first half. The clearance struck Neves on the arm, prompting furious appeals from Bayern’s players and manager Vincent Kompany for a penalty. However, referee Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro waved play on, and VAR chose not to intervene.

What The Rules Say?

According to the IFAB Laws of the Game, a handball offence is not awarded if the ball strikes a player’s arm directly from a team-mate, unless it immediately leads to a goal or prevents one deliberately.

“Because it’s from his own team-mate it’s not a penalty.

“But if you look at both phases, a little bit of common sense and it’s just ridiculous. Whatever needs to happen, but it’s ridiculous. It doesn’t tell the whole game but it’s a one-goal game in the end," Kompany said after the match.

Former defender Stephen Warnock admitted the ruling had confused many observers.

“It’s a bit of an odd one. It’s caught a few people out, the ruling of it, I didn’t know about it.

“I think a lot of people are lost with the handball rule in the Champions League this season. We’re almost wondering, is it going to be given, is it not going to be given? We don’t know where we’re at this season."

(With inputs from Agencies)

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