Arsenal fans are saying the same thing after agonising Champions League final loss

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Evening Standard

·30 Mei 2026

Arsenal fans are saying the same thing after agonising Champions League final loss

Sir Keir Starmer and Piers Morgan among Gunners supporters to react after dramatic penalty shootout defeat by PSG

Arsenal fans expressed their enduring pride in the team after Saturday’s heartbreaking Champions League final loss, while they also fumed over the officiating.

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The newly-crowned Premier League champions fell agonisingly short of a maiden European Cup triumph and famous trophy double in Budapest, going down 4-3 on penalties to holders Paris Saint-Germain following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time.

Gabriel blazed the decisive spot-kick over the crossbar, settling a nervy shootout that also saw Eberechi Eze miss the target for Arsenal before David Raya saved from PSG’s Nuno Mendes to briefly restore hope.

The Gunners had led 1-0 after just six minutes of normal time at the Puskas Arena thanks to Kai Havertz’s goal, holding out and defending admirably amid sustained pressure until five minutes after the hour mark, when Ousmane Dembele equalised from the penalty spot after Cristhian Mosquera had fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

It was a gut-wrenching end to what was so nearly the greatest season in Arsenal’s history, though supporters were quick to rally round the team in recognition of what has still been a superb campaign that will culminate in them celebrating their first Premier League title for 22 years with an open-top bus parade in north London on Sunday.

The most prominent of those was UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who said: “Premier League champions, and within touching distance of European glory. A season we can be immensely proud of.”

Another famous Gunners fan, Piers Morgan, wrote on X: “You guys were all my heroes last week, and you’re all my heroes tonight. Thanks for an amazing season. We’re the Champions of England and very nearly Europe too.”

Jamie Kay wrote: “I feel so sorry for Gabriel, who has been amazing all season. Disappointing ending tonight - but ecstatic to have won the league for the first time in twenty-two years. I’m so proud of the team.”

Vince Fletcher wrote: “The worst way to lose but nothing but pride for what this team did today and all season! A big summer ahead and we go again next season!”

Luke Crane wrote: “Could not be prouder of my team. I have asked for 15 years to have team still fighting for cups in May. That’s all I want as a fan. So many years our season is over in February. Shut out the noise, I’m super proud.”

However, despite the obvious pride at Arsenal’s achievements this season and their gritty performance against an attacking and trophy-winning juggernaut in PSG, there were plenty who criticised the performance of referee Daniel Siebert, who declined to award the Gunners a penalty in the second half of extra time after Noni Madueke fell under the challenge of Nuno Mendes.

Arsenal’s players and coaches were all incensed at the decision, with manager Mikel Arteta and midfielder Declan Rice both yellow-carded for their protests.

Piers Morgan earlier tweeted: “That was a blatant penalty on Madueke. This referee is a disgrace.” He also said: “This referee is a joke. Decision after decision after decision going against us.”

Arsenal fan Mo said: “I’m sorry but I can’t get over that penalty on Madueke. You have to call that. It’s a foul, simple. You HAVE to call it.”

Jamie Kent wrote: “I don’t think it was a penalty on Madueke this evening - that being said if the ref did give it, VAR don’t overturn it. That’s the big issue.”

AFTV wrote: “Madueke was brutally brought down by Mendes but no penalty!????”