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VAR Reverses Third Penalty in Atletico-Arsenal Semi Final

5/1/2026

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Summary

Makkelie Overturns Penalty

Referee Danny Makkelie awarded three penalties in the Champions League semi-final leg between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, overturning the third after a 45-second VAR review of 13 replays.
Julian Álvarez scored the first spot-kick after Ben White handled the ball, while Aaron Raya stayed on the line.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta called the reversal of the late penalty wrong.
Atletico coach said the first penalty should not have stood.

Summary

Simeone Rages

Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid manager, was seen five yards behind the VAR screen, bellowing and waving, actions that some felt merited a yellow card.
Steven Gerrard, former Liverpool captain, called Diego Simeone “crazy” and accused him of slapping players to influence the referee.
UEFA’s match-blog confirmed the penalty was cancelled and that David Hancko, Slovak defender, committed no foul on Eze.

History

Historical Context

The 2018 World Cup quarter-final saw FIFA’s VAR intervene thirteen times, overturning a late penalty and sparking debate, echoing earlier controversies such as Zinedine Zidane’s 2006 red-card dismissal, one of 28 expulsions that set a World Cup record. UEFA faced a similar clash in the Champions League semi-final, prompting calls for stricter VAR protocols to protect match integrity.

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Makkelie Overturns Penalty

Referee Danny Makkelie awarded three penalties in the Champions League semi-final leg between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, overturning the third after a 45-second VAR review of 13 replays.
Julian Álvarez scored the first spot-kick after Ben White handled the ball, while Aaron Raya stayed on the line.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta called the reversal of the late penalty wrong.
Atletico coach said the first penalty should not have stood.

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