Former FIFA referee and rules expert Christina Unkel has cast her verdict on whether Spain deserved their first-half penalty against France in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.
While Lucas Digne clearly kicked Lamine Yamal in the penalty box, there has been some speculation over whether the teenage sensation actually handled the ball in the same incident as he fell to ground.
No retrospective action can be taken now that Mikel Oyazarbal converted the penalty in the 22nd minute, but it may remain a talking point should La Roja defend their lead and book a place in Sunday evening’s final at MetLife Stadium.
Former Referee Explains Why Yamal’s Penalty Was Allowed To Stand
Lamine Yamal vs Egypt
After analysing the footage, Unkel explained, during ITV’s live coverage (watch the incident below):
“The actual point of contact was on a part of the sleeve on Yamal, therefore it would not be considered an offence. As for the original decision for penalty, it should stand.
“Unfortunately, this is a similar incident to the one with Harry Kane, where a player has already committed to the challenge – however, they still have this onus and opportunity to avoid contact.”
Arsenal defender William Saliba was forced off during France’s World Cup semi-final meeting with Spain on Tuesday night.
Luis de la Fuente’s men were awarded a penalty when Lamine Yamal went down after Luis Digne unintentionally kicked him. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and fired past Mike Maignan to put the Spaniards in front in the 22nd minute.
Didier Deschamps was handed another setback in the 30th minute after Saliba went down injured. The Gunners centre-back couldn’t continue, limping off and being replaced by Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix.
Saliba’s fitness had been a concern heading into tonight’s game, and he missed training sessions as fears grew over his availability. He made the starting lineup but grimaced with pain just half an hour into the semi-final at Dallas Stadium.
What Injured Saliba Said During France vs Spain
REUTERS/Pilar Olivares
Not only were France thrown a massive headache when Saliba came off, but Arsenal will be praying it’s nothing serious. He’s a key man in Mikel Arteta’s defence, and his club manager won’t want any of his players returning from the World Cup injured.
From the sounds of it, the 25-year-old might face a spell on the sidelines. French reporter Julian Laurens claimed that the Gunners man could be seen saying, “My back is gone, my back is gone.”
Saliba has been put on a modified training programme during the tournament to manage his back pain. He has seemingly played through the pain barrier, playing every minute of his country’s campaign until tonight.
Trusted Arsenal insider HandofArsenal on X reports that Arsenal have been “worried” about Saliba’s back issues. He might require a procedure to “fully heal.”
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Saliba Gets Rest Amid Arsenal Pre-Season
William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match Everton vs Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, United Kingdom, 20th December 2025 (Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images)
Saliba will get some well-earned rest once the World Cup concludes, as Arsenal players who have reached the latter stages aren’t expected back for pre-season until August. Those who reach the final are set to return to the club on August 10th, giving them plenty of time to recharge their batteries.
Arteta will have been pleased to see Gabriel Magalhaes come through Brazil’s campaign unscathed, although his nation’s early exit might mean his mood is low. He and Saliba were instrumental in the North Londoners’ Premier League title win and their coach will be eager to have them fit in preparation for next season.
The Gunners’ first game of the 2026-27 campaign takes place on August 21st, when they host newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates. Before that, they are involved in friendly action against Borussia Dortmund and have a Community Shield clash with Manchester City on August 16th.
Manchester United remain in the hunt to sign a new midfielder, despite securing the signature of Andrey Santos while closing in on Youri Tielemans.
United confirmed the signing of Santos from Premier League rivals Chelsea earlier this week, becoming their first midfield addition of the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old, described as ‘insane’, could be the third midfield option that United are looking to bring in.
The Red Devils have also been linked with moves to sign Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott, but Gomez could be the ideal option for them.
Considering Gomes was close to a £38 million move to Atletico Madrid, the Brazilian midfielder would likely be a lot cheaper than Baleba and Scott.
Taking that into account, Gomes would be the best value-for-money option out of the aforementioned trio. He could be perfect for Michael Carrick heading into the new season.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Gomes is what Man Utd need
There’s no doubt that United’s third midfielder that they bring to the club needs to be a hard-working, ball-winning addition.
Gomes fits exactly into that category, and although Baleba is similar in terms of profile, the former is likely to make a lot more sense financially.
With Wolves relegated to the Championship, they aren’t in a strong negotiating position when it comes to convincing the Brazilian to stay at the club.
There is no doubt he is capable of returning to the Premier League and performing at a high level, so he should be the third midfielder that United look to sign in the summer transfer window.
Aston Villa are one of a number of Premier League clubs closely observing Genclerbirligi Ankara midfielder Ousmane Diabate, with a view to making a move for the 18-year-old this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
Diabate joined the Turkish club in December and managed to catch the eye of several English sides in the ensuing six months, despite making just seven appearances in the remainder of the season. Compared by many to legendary France midfielder N’Golo Kante due to his defensive qualities and intelligence on the ball, the Guinean is now making waves in football analytics circles.
While Villa are yet to make direct contact with the starlet’s representatives or Genclerbirligi, they hold genuine interest in the teenage talent, as Unai Emery looks to start succession planning for some of his ageing midfielders.
Aston Villa monitoring wonderkid’s transfer status
Villa need to get younger in midfield in the coming years, with the likes of Ross Barkley, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia all entering the latter stages of their career.
Thus, it’s no surprise that Villa are being linked to an up-and-coming midfielder in Diabate. TEAMtalk report that the West Midlanders are meticulously monitoring the prospect’s progress in Turkey, and that they could make a move for him in the foreseeable future.
It’s said that Diabate is on terms at Genclerbirligi that would allow him to leave for a modest fee, making him an attractive option for Premier League clubs currently operating in a highly-inflated domestic market.
While the youngster is open to a move to a top-five league, his development is being carefully managed by those close to him, and they may believe a move next summer makes more sense for his career.
As glowing as the reviews of Diabate are, it’s unlikely that he’s ready to make an immediate impact in the Premier League at Villa Park.
His career to date consists of 207 senior league minutes, all of which have come in the Turkish Super Lig. He may have great potential, but he’s probably not polished and certainly isn’t the finished article.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
For Villa, Diabate would be a project signing, and they may need to allow him to go on loan first before blooding him in the intense English top flight.
With Tielemans leaving and Amadou Onana sustaining an ACL injury during the World Cup, Manzambi and a developing Diabate clearly won’t be enough for Emery’s team this summer.
