Mikel Arteta blows top in interview after controversial VAR call in Arsenal's Atletico draw

Callum Vurley
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:48:48 +0000

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.

The Gunners boss was left seething after a late penalty awarded to substitute Eberechi Eze was overturned following a VAR review.

"After going back into the dressing room, speaking to the boys and watching the penalty incident, it's extremely disappointed and annoyed because it was against the rules and it changes the course of the tie. I'm very, very upset," Arteta told TNT.

He added: "The whole sequence. There is clear contact, you make the decision you cannot overturn that decision when you have to look at it 13 times. It's completely unacceptable at this level."

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The contest had been a tense affair until Viktor Gyokeres broke the deadlock from twelve yards just before the interval.

The Swedish striker, who arrived at the Emirates for £63.5million from Sporting Lisbon, converted emphatically after being brought down by David Hancko.

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“I’m extremely disappointed and annoyed because it was against the rules. I don’t understand it, and it changes the course of the tie. I’m very upset.” 😖

Mikel Arteta reacts after the controversial penalty decision.

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 29, 2026

Jan Oblak guessed correctly but could do nothing to prevent the powerful spot-kick finding the net.

Atletico emerged for the second period with renewed vigour and were rewarded when Ben White was adjudged to have handled Marcos Llorente's strike.

Julian Alvarez stepped up and thundered his penalty into the top corner, leaving David Raya rooted to the spot as the scores were levelled.

The pivotal moment arrived in the 78th minute when Eze tumbled inside the area following another challenge from Hancko, the same defender who had conceded the opening spot-kick.

Dutch referee Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the penalty spot for the third time in the match.

However, after being summoned to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, the official reversed his decision, judging the contact to be insufficient.

Home supporters greeted the reversal with jubilant cheers whilst Arsenal's players and staff were left incredulous.

The decision denied the Gunners what would have been a crucial advantage to take back to north London.

Arsenal's defensive resolve was tested severely throughout the second period as Diego Simeone's side mounted sustained pressure.

Ademola Lookman forced David Raya into action before Gabriel Magalhaes produced a superb block to deny Antoine Griezmann from the rebound.

The French forward subsequently struck the crossbar, whilst Lookman squandered a golden opportunity by firing straight at the Arsenal goalkeeper from close range.

No penalty for Arsenal after the VAR review ❌

What do you make of that decision?

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 29, 2026

Despite being largely outplayed after the break, Arteta's men showed the composure of seasoned European campaigners.

The draw leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of next Tuesday's return fixture at the Emirates, where Atletico suffered a 4-0 defeat during the group stage.