Arteta Fumes as VAR Overturns Arsenal Penalty
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- Arsenal were denied a second penalty in the 56th minute after Eberechi Eze was tackled by Atlético defender Dávid Hancko, a decision reversed by VAR.
- Mikel Arteta said he was “incredibly fuming” and called the VAR overturn “against the rules,” claiming it changed the course of the game.
- Diego Simeone protested the decision, insisting there was clear contact and that VAR sometimes gives and sometimes takes away.
- Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the spot for the second penalty but, after review by VAR official Dennis Higler, overturned his decision.
- Atlético Madrid equalized with Julián Álvarez’s spot kick 12 minutes after Viktor Gyökeres’ penalty, resulting in a 1‑1 draw.
Why it matters: Arsenal’s missed penalty risks them a spot in the Champions League final—their first in 20 years—costing millions in prize money and eroding sponsor confidence ahead of the second leg.
