Arsenal fans have called out referee Slavko Vincic for making “silly mistakes” in the semifinal match against Paris Saint-Germain PSG.

Arsenal fans were frustrated at referee Slavko, particularly after a penalty appeal was waived when Mikel Merino went down under pressure from PSG’s João Neves. Replays indicated Neves made a last-ditch tackle on the ball, a decision that split opinion among viewers.

Paris Saint-Germain secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, April 29.

The French side capitalized on Arsenal’s early defensive lapses, with Ousmane Dembele scoring in the fourth minute after connecting with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cross. The result ended Arsenal’s impressive 18-match unbeaten home run in European competition.

PSG dominated the opening stages, forcing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya into several crucial saves. Arsenal responded with attacking intent, but Gianluigi Donnarumma was equal to efforts from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal believed they had equalized in the second half when Mikel Merino headed in from a Declan Rice free-kick, but the goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.

PSG had further chances to extend their lead, with Bradley Barcola shooting wide and Goncalo Ramos hitting the crossbar. Manager Luis Enrique acknowledged his side’s early goal was part of their game plan but admitted the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the second leg in Paris.

Both teams now look ahead to the decisive return leg, with Arsenal needing to overturn the deficit to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.

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