Arteta furious over VAR call in Arsenal draw with Atlético Madrid

• Arteta says overturned penalty decision “changed the course” of semifinal
• Arsenal held to 1-1 draw despite strong performance in Madrid
• Simeone defends VAR role after key decisions go both ways

Mikel Arteta said he was “incredibly fuming” after a controversial VAR decision denied Arsenal a second penalty in their 1-1 UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg against Atlético Madrid.

Arsenal took the lead through a 44th-minute penalty from Viktor Gyökeres, but Julián Álvarez equalised from the spot early in the second half.

The key flashpoint came later when substitute Eberechi Eze went down in the box under a challenge from defender Dávid Hancko. Referee Danny Makkelie initially awarded a penalty but overturned the decision after a VAR review led by Dennis Higler.

Arteta strongly criticized the reversal, arguing it did not meet the threshold for intervention.

“What I’m incredibly fuming with is how the hell the penalty on Ebs gets overturned in the manner that it happened when there is no clear and obvious error,” he said.

“This changes the course of the game. And at this level, I’m sorry but this cannot happen. It was against the rules and I don’t understand it.”

Despite the frustration, Arsenal remain well-placed ahead of the return leg in London, with the tie level at 1-1.

Atlético manager Diego Simeone offered a more balanced view, acknowledging VAR’s impact on both sides.

“For the first penalty, in my humble opinion, it’s from the back… it seems to me that in the Champions League semifinals it really needs to be a penalty,” he said.

“And then the handball, it was given thanks to the VAR, and the second penalty wasn’t, thanks to the VAR. Sometimes VAR gives and sometimes it takes away.”

The second leg will determine who advances to the final, with Arsenal aiming to reach their first Champions League showpiece in two decades.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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