Samir Nasri Accuses Referee Daniel Siebert of Systematically Ruling Against Arsenal in Champions League Final Defeat to PSG

Paris Saint-Germain claimed back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles in Budapest after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw across 120 minutes of play — and the officiating during that contest has since drawn significant scrutiny from a prominent former Gunner.

Samir Nasri, speaking on Canal+’s “Late Football Club” programme following the final, directed pointed criticism at the match referee, arguing that Arsenal were on the receiving end of a pattern of decisions that did not reflect neutral officiating. “In the second period, the referee systematically whistled against Arsenal,” Nasri stated. “He punished them for their time-wasting in the first half.”

The former France international suggested that Arsenal’s disciplined, defensive approach in the opening half — which frustrated PSG for extended periods — ultimately influenced how the official managed the second 45 minutes against Mikel Arteta’s side. Nasri’s view is that the referee’s decision-making became reactive rather than impartial.

Arsenal had taken the lead through Kai Havertz in the first half, before Ousmane Dembele equalised for PSG in the second period to force extra time. The match was ultimately decided from the spot, with Gabriel Magalhaes missing the decisive penalty to hand PSG the trophy.

The defeat will be a deeply frustrating outcome for Arsenal, with Arteta himself publicly claiming after the match that his side were denied a legitimate penalty during normal time. The Gunners had also managed the game tactically in the opening period, a strategy that, according to Nasri, carried unintended consequences when it came to how the referee exercised his judgement thereafter.

For PSG and manager Luis Enrique, the result represents a historic achievement. By retaining the Champions League title, the club became the first in their history to defend the European crown — a milestone that firmly positions them among the continent’s elite clubs. It is PSG’s second successive Champions League triumph.

Referee Daniel Siebert, who officiated the final, has not publicly responded to Nasri’s comments. Officiating controversies in major European finals are not uncommon, and such criticisms from high-profile former players frequently follow high-stakes matches decided by fine margins.

Arsenal will now reflect on a campaign that brought them to the pinnacle of European football without delivering the ultimate prize. The manner of the exit — through a penalty shootout after Gabriel’s miss — and the refereeing debate that has followed are likely to shape the club’s narrative heading into the next season. For PSG, attention turns to consolidating their standing as the dominant force in European club football.