Arsenal handed new referee verdict on VAR penalty fury as UEFA told mistake made

5

• 
• Arsenal
• Arsenal News
• Arsenal

Arsenal handed new referee verdict on VAR penalty fury as UEFA told mistake made

A former Premier League referee has delivered his verdict on Arsenal's second penalty which was overturned during their Champions League semi-final first leg at Atletico Madrid

View 2 Images

Arsenal should have been awarded a second penalty during their Champions League semi-final first leg tie against Atletico Madrid, according to former Premier League referee Mark Halsey.

The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night, as Viktor Gyokeres' 44th minute spot-kick was cancelled out by Julian Alvarez just before the hour mark.

But it could have been so much better for Mikel Arteta's side, who felt they should have been given a second chance to score from 12 yards after Eberechi Eze appeared to be fouled inside the box.

Eze went to ground after feeling contact from David Hancko and Makkelie was in no hesitation but to point to the straight spot, much to the frustrations of Diego Simeone and the Atletico players.

However, following a VAR review and Makkelie heading across to his pitch-side monitor, the referee decided to overturn his initial decision and the Gunners were denied the chance to go back in front from the spot.

Arteta bemoaned the decision in his post-match press conference and said he was "fuming", while Steven Gerrard, Steve McMannaman and Martin Keown agreed in the TNT Studio that it should have been a penalty.

Now, ex-Premier League official Halsey has offered his verdict on the incident and said he feels the Gunners were unfortunate that the penalty was overturned, after Makkelie had initially given it.

He told The Sun : "We've seen another controversial penalty given and then not given after VAR intervention.

View 2 Images

"Now for me, in real time, I thought it was a clear foul by Hanko on Eze. Yes, clumsy. Yes, there was contact. Referee Danny Makkelie gives it in real time and then VAR recommends review.

"Now was it a clear and obvious error by the match referee? In my opinion, no.

"Yes, there was contact. But it’s not a clear and obvious error, so why, once again has VAR got involved? Being too forensic, they should never have got involved.

"And I have to say I thought Simeone’s actions on the touchline were a disgrace. I just cannot believe that the fourth official did not act and get the referee over to deal with him. But once again we’ve seen another controversial incident. What a two days we’ve had in the Champions League Cup semi-finals.

"But for me, it’s a penalty and it should have stayed given."

The Gunners host Atletico in the Champions League semi-final second leg next Tuesday, three days after Arteta's side face Fulham in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?Choose Football London as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌
Support Everyday Chronicle
Global reporting requires independent voices. If you value our coverage, please consider a small contribution to help us grow.
​Click the button below to make a secure donation