VAR Controversy Overshadows Atletico-Arsenal Champions League Semi-Final

The first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final in Madrid ended 1-1. Arsenal winger Eberechi Eze was initially awarded a penalty after being brought down by Atletico defender David Hancko, but referee Danny Makkelie reversed the call after a 45-second VAR review that examined 13 replays, stating there was no contact.

Diego Simeone behaviour slammed as VAR's decision to rule out Arsenal penalty causes storm

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Atletico manager Diego Simeone, referee Danny Makkelie, and players Viktor Györkeres, Eze, David Hancko, Ben White and Jan Oblak were central to the events.

Diego Simeone behaviour slammed as VAR's decision to rule out Arsenal penalty causes storm

Ben White’s handball produced a first-half penalty, which Viktor Györkeres converted. Simeone later argued the decision was unwarranted. In the second half, Eze’s penalty was awarded then rescinded after the VAR review, leaving the tie 1-1.

"It was a penalty", Arteta disappointed, Simone thinks differently: In the Champions League, only penalties that are truly penalties should be awarded

Three penalties were awarded; two stood and produced goals, while the third – Eze’s – was cancelled after a 45-second VAR check.

"It was a penalty", Arteta disappointed, Simone thinks differently: In the Champions League, only penalties that are truly penalties should be awarded

Arsenal appealed to UEFA, which rejected the complaint and posted: “Decision overturned: no penalty. Penalty cancelled – no foul. Atleti player, No 17 (Hancko), did not commit a foul on the opponent.” Arteta called the reversal erroneous; Simeone defended his view that the Györkeres spot-kick lacked merit.

Diego Simeone behaviour slammed as VAR's decision to rule out Arsenal penalty causes storm

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard called Simeone’s sideline conduct “crazy” and suggested it swayed the referee. Ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown said the incident was “not clear and obvious” and warned VAR was being over-used. TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher said the night was “not a good night for these types of decisions” and that Simeone should have been cautioned for trying to influence the official.

Diego Simeone behaviour slammed as VAR's decision to rule out Arsenal penalty causes storm

• “For the Atletico coach, the penalty won by György at the end of the first half, which later led to the goal for the "gunners", did not stand: In my judgment, in the first penalty there was contact from behind, the player anticipated the contact and went down.” — Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager

"It was a penalty", Arteta disappointed, Simone thinks differently: In the Champions League, only penalties that are truly penalties should be awarded

• “Simeone is crazy, slapping his players on the back of the head. Simeone, I think he played a big part. From a coaching point of view, his behaviour there, he was in the referees eyesight coming over.” — Steven Gerrard, former Liverpool captain

Diego Simeone behaviour slammed as VAR's decision to rule out Arsenal penalty causes storm

• “I simply don't think it was clear and obvious. The referee should be able to referee the game. VAR has got too involved. That's not what we wanted with VAR.” — Martin Keown, former Arsenal defender

Diego Simeone behaviour slammed as VAR's decision to rule out Arsenal penalty causes storm

UEFA’s note declared no foul, yet former players and pundits argued minimal contact was evident, highlighting a discrepancy between the governing body’s assessment and on-field perception.

Diego Simeone behaviour slammed as VAR's decision to rule out Arsenal penalty causes storm

The second leg at the Emirates Stadium next week will decide the aggregate winner.

"It was a penalty", Arteta disappointed, Simone thinks differently: In the Champions League, only penalties that are truly penalties should be awarded