Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made no effort to hide his fury after the Gunners had a penalty award overturned following a VAR review in the second half of their 1-1 Champions League semi-final draw with Atletico Madrid.
Viktor Gyokeres’ 44th-minute penalty had given Arsenal the lead in the first leg at the Metrpolitano, but Atletico levelled 11 minutes into the second half when Julian Alvarez converted from 12 yards after Ben White was controversially penalised for handball, referee Danny Makkelie pointing to the spot following a trip to the pitchside monitor.
But it was his second visit that drew the ire of Arteta.
Makkelie awarded Arsenal a second penalty of the night after David Hancko, who fouled Gyokeres for the first, appeared to stand on the foot of Eberechi Eze, who went down under the challenge.
However, he was again sent to the screen and, with replays showing minimal albeit clear contact, the Dutch official elected to reverse his decision.
Arteta fumes at Arsenal penalty overturn
Further opportunities for Arsenal to take a lead back to Emirates Stadium were limited, leaving Arteta to fume at the surprising overturn.
He told TNT Sports: “Speaking to the boys and understanding the penalty incident for the second goal getting overturned. It was against the rules and I don’t understand it.
“[I’m] very upset. There is clear contact; he makes the decision and you can’t overturn it when you have to watch it 13 times.”
Asked if the referee might have been influenced by the crowd or by the demonstrative Atletico coach Diego Simeone, Arteta said: “I don’t know. That’s an answer for him. It’s the wrong decision and it changes the course of the tie.”
Arteta had no issue with the award of Atletico’s penalty and still sees plenty of reason for optimism heading into the second leg, which comes three days after a key Premier League clash with Fulham.
“It is a rule and they have been quite consistent with that,” Arteta said of the handball decision against White. “I have nothing to say on that.
“There are a lot of positives. A lot of very good things that we did. We knew we would have tough moments.
“We are in an incredible position. We have to play in front of our people. It is in our hands.”
