Mikel Arteta « very upset » by canceled penalty

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made no effort to hide his anger after the Gunners’ penalty was disallowed following a VAR review in the second half of their 1-1 draw Champions League semi-final tie with Atlético Madrid.

Victor Gokeres’ 44th-minute penalty gave Arsenal the lead in the first leg at the Metropolitano, but Atletico equalized 11 minutes into the second half when Julián Alvarez converted from 12 yards after Ben White was controversially booked for a handball, referee Danny McEly pointing to the spot after a trip to the pitchside monitor.

But his second visit drew the ire of Arteta.

Makeli awarded Arsenal their second penalty of the night after David Hanko, who had fouled Gokeres for the first, appeared to step on the foot of Eberechi Eze, who went down in the challenge.

However, it was sent to the screen again and with replays showing minimal, albeit clear contact, the Dutch official decided to change his mind.

Arteta explodes as Arsenal’s penalty is disallowed

Further opportunities for Arsenal to take the lead back at the Emirates Stadium were limited, leaving Arteta fuming at the surprise turnaround.

He told TNT Sports: « I’m talking to the guys and I understand the incident with the penalty for the second goal that was disallowed. It was against the rules and I don’t understand it.

« (I’m) very upset. There’s a clear contact; he makes the decision and you can’t undo it when you have to watch it 13 times. »

Asked if the referee might have been influenced by the crowd or by Atletico’s demonstrative coach Diego Simeone, Arteta said: « I don’t know. It’s an answer for him. It’s a wrong decision and it changes the course of the tie. »

Arteta had no trouble awarding Atletico’s penalty and still sees plenty of reason for optimism in the second leg, which comes three days after the pivotal Premier League clash with Fulham.

« It’s a rule and they’re pretty consistent with it, » Arteta said of the handball decision against White. « I have nothing to say about it.

« There are a lot of positives. A lot of good things we did. We knew we were going to have tough times.

« We are in an incredible position. We have to play in front of our people. It is in our hands. »