VAR controversy in Champions League
Arsenal coach Arteta rages: “How the hell?”
April 30, 2026 – 7:46 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
In the first leg against Atlético, Arsenal have to be content with a draw. A victory seemed possible – until the VAR intervened. Coach Mikel Arteta is angry.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was stunned by a referee’s decision after the 1-1 draw in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Atlético Madrid. In the 78th minute, referee Danny Makkelie initially awarded a penalty for Arsenal, but the penalty was withdrawn after video evidence.
Atlético’s David Hancko lightly touched Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze on the foot. Makkelie immediately pointed to the point – but reversed the decision after the video review. Arteta was stunned after the game: “What I don’t understand – and what I’m very upset and angry about – is how the hell the penalty against Eze could have been taken back. I don’t understand that. It completely changes the course of the game.” He added: “It’s very simple, it’s a clear penalty. If it’s a penalty, I don’t know why you have to bring in the VAR, why you have to look at it 13 times – that’s not a clear mistake.”
The revoked penalty became the dominant issue in England. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard criticized on TNT Sports that referees had to “have the courage to stand by their decision.” He also didn’t see a clear error that would justify VAR intervention. Gerrard placed the decisive factor somewhere else: “But Diego Simeone’s behavior makes the referee doubt his decision.” Atlético’s coach gesticulated wildly during the review and spoke to the referee team.
Arsenal go into the second leg with a draw – and keep their dream of their first Champions League final in 20 years alive. Arteta was combative: “We are in an incredible position. We are playing in front of our people. It is in our hands.” The second leg will take place next Tuesday at 9 p.m. in London and will be broadcast on Prime Video. It is still unclear whether Arteta can then fall back on the injured national player Kai Havertz.