Arsenal had a late penalty controversially overturned following a VAR check in a pulsating 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot for the third time in the game when Eberechi Eze went down following a challenge by David Hancko in the 78th minute, but changed his decision after being sent to the monitor and deeming the contact insufficient.
Mikel Arteta described the decision as “completely unacceptable”, adding: “After going back into the dressing room, and watching the penalty incident, I’m extremely disappointed and annoyed because it was against the rules and it changes the course of the tie. I’m very, very upset.”
Viktor Gyokeres had earlier blasted Arsenal in front from the spot having been pushed over by the same Atletico player.
Atletico responded through Julian Alvarez’s penalty after more controversy as Ben White was penalised for handball following another VAR check, with the defender’s arm deemed to have been in an unnatural position when struck by Marcos Llorente’s shot.
Arsenal, aiming to reach the Champions League final for only the second time in their history, controlled the first half but had to withstand an Atletico onslaught at the start of the second.
Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after scoring for Arsenal against Atletico Madrid
The excellent Alvarez sent a free-kick just wide, Antoine Griezmann hit the crossbar and Ademola Lookman shot straight at David Raya when he should have scored from the centre of the box.
Atletico then lost the excellent Alvarez to an apparent injury as Arsenal regained control of the match and they appeared to have been handed the chance to go in front when Eze went to ground inside the box following contact from Hancko.
The home fans roared their approval when the decision was overturned despite Arsenal protests but the Gunners continued to apply pressure as substitute Cristhian Mosquera stung the palms of Jan Oblak from the edge of the box.
Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez celebrates after scoring his penalty
The draw ensures a positive result for the Gunners to take back to London for next week’s second leg as they vie to face Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final. But the controversial penalty call left them aggrieved not to win.
More to follow.
What’s coming up for Arsenal?
Before next Tuesday’s return leg at the Emirates, Arsenal turn their attentions to the Premier League title race with the visit of Fulham on Saturday; kick-off 5.30pm.
Atletico are also in LaLiga action, facing a trip to Valencia on Saturday afternoon.
