Mikel Arteta was left furious after a late penalty decision in favour of Arsenal F.C. was controversially overturned following a VAR review in their 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg.
The drama unfolded in the 78th minute when Eberechi Eze went down in the box after a challenge from David Hancko. Referee Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the spot, awarding what would have been Arsenal’s third penalty of the match. However, after consulting the pitchside monitor, he reversed the decision, ruling that the contact was not sufficient.
Arteta did not hide his frustration after the match, describing the decision as “completely unacceptable.”
“After going back to the dressing room and watching the penalty incident, I’m extremely disappointed and annoyed. It was against the rules and changes the course of the tie. I’m very upset,” he said.
Earlier in the game, Viktor Gyökeres had given Arsenal the lead from the penalty spot after being brought down by Hancko.
Atlético Madrid responded with a penalty of their own, converted by Julián Álvarez, following another VAR intervention. Ben White was adjudged to have handled the ball in an unnatural position after blocking a shot from Marcos Llorente.
The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg, with both sides still in contention for a place in the final
