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Arsenal were awarded a first-half penalty for handball. (Image: Getty)

UEFA have confirmed the reasoning behind their decision to award Arsenal a penalty during their Champions League tie against Slavia Prague. Mikel Arteta's squad were seeking to secure their fourth consecutive European victory against the Czech outfit in their capital city.

The Gunners dominated proceedings early on and nearly opened the scoring through Gabriel within the opening minute, whilst Bukayo Saka also posed an early threat. Nevertheless, Arsenal had to remain patient until the 32nd minute before finding the breakthrough.

Saka's corner delivery struck the hand of Lukas Provod inside the penalty area, prompting VAR officials to intervene and award a spot kick.

The England winger stepped forward to slot home the penalty, dispatching his effort beyond Jakub Markovic from 12 yards.

UEFA's official statement declared: "Decision overturned: penalty awarded. Slavia Praha's player No17 touched the ball with his left hand, which was in an unnatural position above the shoulder and making his body bigger."

Bukayo Saka tucked away the penalty. (Image: Getty)

By converting the penalty, Saka etched his name into Arsenal history books as the first Gunners player ever to find the net in four successive away fixtures...

Continue Reading: UEFA release statement on Arsenal penalty v Slavia Prague after VAR intervention

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