Arteta ‘fuming’ after Arsenal penalty overturned in Atletico draw

Madrid, Spain — Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta was “incredibly angered” by a controversial penalty decision which he said was “against the rules” and “changed the course” of their Champions League semi-final tie. Atlético Madrid.

Victor GaikeresPenalty disallowed in 44th minute Julian AlvarezA spot kick 12 minutes later but the Gunners were denied a second penalty at the time of the substitution God bless you Challenged in the box by an Atletico defender David Hanko.

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Dutch referee Danny McKay first pointed to the spot but VAR official Dennis Higler sent his decision to the monitor to review.

After watching the incident multiple times and with Atletico fans and boss Diego Simeone repeatedly protesting, Mackay overturned his initial decision.

Following a 1-1 draw Arsenal will be favorites to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years when they host Atletico in Tuesday’s return leg in the Spanish capital.

But Arteta could not hide their disappointment at being denied the chance to cap off a great all-round performance with a famous win on the night.

“What I am incredibly angry about is how the infernal punishment on Ebs (Eze) was overturned the way it was when there was no clear and obvious fault,” he said. “It changes the course of the game. And at this level, I’m sorry but it can’t happen.

“It was against the rules and I don’t understand it. There is clear communication. He makes a decision and you can’t overturn it when you have to see it 13 times.

“When you’ve fought so hard for nine months to be in this position. I mean, it’s another goal that completely changed during the tie. And it can’t happen. I’m sorry. We put a lot on it. So, so, so much on it. It can’t happen.”

Geikares faces Hanko’s challenge for Arsenal’s penalty Ben White Was penalized for handball because the ball hit his arm.

“For the first penalty, in my humble opinion, it’s from behind, the player waits for contact, it seems to me that it really needs to be a penalty in the semi-finals of the Champions League,” Simeone said.

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