Mikel Arteta Furious Over Reversed Penalty Call in Arsenal Stalemate at Atletico
In the closing moments with the scores level, Eberechi Eze tumbled in the penalty area following a challenge from Atletico defender David Hancko, who connected with his boot.
Dutch official Danny Makkelie initially awarded a spot kick, yet he rescinded it following a VAR check, much to the joy of the Metropolitano crowd.
"What really angers me is the way the penalty against Eze was cancelled out like that," Arteta remarked to the press.
"At this level, it alters the entire match. Sorry, but this should not occur."
Arsenal had gone ahead when Hancko tripped Viktor Gyokeres, who converted from the penalty spot, only for Julian Alvarez to equalise early in the second period via another penalty after Ben White handled the ball.
Arteta accepted that ruling, noting a comparable award against Bayern Munich in Tuesdays other semi final encounter, yet he struggled to accept the Eze incident reversal.
"We are all furious about it," Arteta added.
"After battling for nine months to reach this stage, that goal would have shifted the ties direction entirely.
"It simply cannot happen. We invest so much effort, it cannot happen."
In stark contrast, Atleticos Diego Simeone appreciated VARs role, as the White handball penalty came solely through a review.
The Atletico manager also contested the initial penalty given to Arsenal for Hanckos push on Gyokeres from behind.
"The opening penalty, in my view, involves minimal contact from behind, yet the player exaggerates the fall. In a Champions League semi final, a penalty must be clear cut," Simeone stated.
"The handball went unnoticed until VAR intervened to grant it, while the later one was revoked by VAR. Occasionally VAR awards decisions, at other times it withdraws them."
This result keeps the tie wide open ahead of the return fixture in London next Tuesday, as both clubs vie for their inaugural triumph in the competition.
"What lies ahead? A tremendous test," Simeone commented.
"At Arsenals home, against a side unbeaten in the Champions League.
"We hold great optimism and will travel there giving our utmost."