Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not hold back his frustration after a controversial VAR decision denied his side a second penalty in their 1–1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.
The Gunners took the lead in Madrid through Viktor Gyökeres, who calmly converted from the spot in the first half, before Julián Álvarez equalised for the hosts after the break.
The major talking point came in the second half when a penalty awarded to Arsenal for a foul on Bukayo Saka was overturned following a lengthy VAR review — a decision that left Arteta visibly furious.
“What I am incredibly frustrated with is how the penalty on Saka gets overturned in the manner that it happened, when it’s not a clear and obvious error. This changes the course of the game,” Arteta said.
The Spaniard revealed that the referee reviewed the incident multiple times before reversing the decision, questioning the consistency of officiating at such a crucial stage of the competition.
“The referee has to watch it 13 times — it’s impossible. We are all furious about it,” he added.
Despite his anger, Arteta acknowledged that Atletico’s equaliser — also from the penalty spot — was correctly awarded under the current interpretation of the handball rule.
The result leaves the tie finely balanced at 1–1 heading into the decisive second leg at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal will look to capitalise on home advantage to secure a place in the final.
However, Arteta made it clear the controversial decision could prove pivotal.
“When you have fought so hard for nine months to be in this position, that moment changes everything — and it cannot happen,” he said.
