Another point that SFDebris pointed out in his review is how poorly the script is written. And this isn't some plot point that's brought up in the beginning and is forgotten in the end. This is pure contradiction in the span of three minutes.
Hagon: The rules are known. Let combat continue until there is a victor. It will not be interrupted.
*Yareena loses her weapon*
Lutan: Combatants, hold your positions! *they do, Lutan points to the spectator who get hit with the weapon* Return the weapon.
The best part about that scene is how the spectator casually hands over the weapon, looks down, sees that he has been wounded, gets an “oh shit” look his face, and dies. Riker describes the weapon as “split-second lethal,” but it’s not a split second from the moment you’re wounded — it’s a split second from the moment you realize you’re wounded. Until then you’re Wile E. Coyote blissfully walking on air.
I’m not sure whether it was intended as comedy or not.