'The handball rule is a shambles' - Football fans flummoxed as Arsenal see hugely controversial penalty awarded against Mikel Merino in Inter Champions League clash - as Yann Sommer 'punch' goes unpunished

Merino was punished after the ball hit his hand in the penalty area in close quarters during Arsenal's Champions League clash with Inter. As a result, a spot-kick was awarded, and Hakan Calhanoglu coolly converted. The decision came after Yann Sommer appeared to punch Merino in the head while attempting to claim a cross, but he was not punished.

@HLTCO said: "This handball rule for penalties in the Champions League is a shambles; I know it’s the same for every club in it but it’s ridiculous. Defenders can’t have arms it seems."

@Gunnerscom added: "Punched in the head = No penalty. 'Handball' from one yard away = penalty."

@PhilippeAuclair said: "A suggestion to sort out the mess that is the current handball law. All handballs in the box sanctioned? Fine. If deliberate, penalty. If not, indirect free-kick, which is also great fun for spectators. Keep punishment commensurate with the offence. Right now, it isn't."

@TGarratt10 said: "It’s a harsh handball but that’s the laws in Europe. I suspect Arsenal fans will be pretty level headed and understanding towards that…"

@AFCMonty added: "Merino punched in the face. No penalty. A handball from a deflection 2cm away. Penalty. I do not want to talk about the refs. But when it happens every f*cking week my god man."

@WaynesWorld20_ concluded: "At least our fans can use the Sommer incident & this handball to use as a mask for another boring half of football. Can use the excuses to cover up the actual issues."

There has been plenty of controversy surrounding refereeing decisions involving Arsenal this season, with three Gunners players sent off throughout the campaign. Their latest misadventure with the officials is likely to spark even more heated debate.

Arsenal play Chelsea in a huge London derby this weekend. They are currently fifth in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.