Mikel Arteta was left “incredibly fuming” after Arsenal were denied a late penalty in their 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. The Gunners boss felt the decision to overturn the spot-kick changed the course of the tie.
With the score level in the 78th minute, referee Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the spot after Atlético defender David Hancko caught substitute Eberechi Eze. However, after reviewing multiple replays on the pitchside monitor, Makkelie reversed his decision, concluding the contact was not sufficient.
Earlier, Makkelie had awarded two penalties: one for Arsenal, converted by Viktor Gyökeres after a Hancko foul, and one for Atlético, scored by Julián Alvarez following a Ben White handball. Arteta accepted the handball decision under the rules but was incensed by the Eze incident.
“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,” Arteta said. “When you have to look at it 13 times, at this level it’s completely unacceptable.”
The Arsenal manager praised his players for coping with a hostile atmosphere at the Metropolitano Stadium and insisted the tie remains in their hands. The second leg takes place in north London next Tuesday.
