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Arteta Furious as VAR Overturns Late Penalty in Arsenal’s 1-1 Draw at Atletico Madrid

Posted : 30 April 2026

Mikel Arteta expressed strong frustration after a late penalty awarded to Arsenal F.C. was overturned in their 1-1 draw against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday.

The controversial moment came in the closing stages when Eberechi Eze went down under a challenge from defender David Hancko. Referee Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the spot, but the decision was reversed following a VAR review, sparking anger from the Arsenal bench and players.

Arteta condemned the reversal, arguing that it had a decisive impact on the outcome of the match. He insisted that such decisions at this level should not be changed in such a manner, especially in a crucial semifinal tie after months of preparation.

Arsenal had earlier taken the lead through a penalty scored by Viktor Gyökeres after Hancko’s foul, while Atlético equalised from the spot following a handball by Ben White, a decision confirmed after VAR intervention.

Atlético manager Diego Simeone welcomed the role of VAR in key moments, though he admitted he disagreed with some of the penalty decisions on both sides. He stressed that consistency in such calls is essential, particularly at the Champions League level.

The tie remains evenly poised ahead of the second leg in London next Tuesday, where both teams will battle for a place in the final as they chase their first Champions League title.

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