Mikel Arteta criticises match officials after Arsenal’s draw with Atletico Madrid
Mikel Arteta launched a scathing attack on match officials following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in their Champions League semi-final first leg, reports BritPanorama.
The Gunners boss expressed his frustration after a late penalty awarded to substitute Eberechi Eze was overturned following a VAR review. Arteta described the incident as “extremely disappointing and annoying” and stated that it was against the rules, adding, “it changes the course of the tie. I’m very, very upset.”
The contest had been tightly contested until Viktor Gyokeres broke the deadlock from twelve yards just before half-time. The Swedish striker, signed for £63.5 million from Sporting Lisbon, converted emphatically following a foul by David Hancko.
Atletico Madrid returned for the second half with renewed determination, equalising when Ben White was penalised for a handball during a Marcos Llorente strike. Julian Alvarez stepped up, sending a powerful penalty into the top corner, leaving Arsenal’s David Raya with no chance.
The pivotal moment occurred in the 78th minute when Eze fell in the area following another challenge from Hancko. Initially, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie awarded a penalty, but after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, he reversed his decision, deeming the contact insufficient. This decision sparked jubilation among home supporters and disbelief among Arsenal’s players and staff.
Despite the setback, Arsenal’s defensive resolve was tested throughout the second period, with Diego Simeone’s side applying sustained pressure. Ademola Lookman forced a save from Raya, while a superb block from Gabriel Magalhaes denied Antoine Griezmann from the rebound. The French forward later hit the crossbar, and Lookman squandered a close-range chance.
The draw leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the return fixture at the Emirates next Tuesday, where Atletico previously suffered a heavy defeat during the group stage. Arteta must now galvanise his squad to secure a place in the final after a match filled with contentious officiating.
