Arsenal players were incensed following a penalty decision that was reversed against Atletico Madrid in the second half of their Champions League semi-final first leg. While Atletico Madrid managed to equalize during this period, a significant controversy arose when the referee, after a VAR review, opted to disallow a penalty initially awarded for a suspected foul on Eberechi Eze.
Mikel Arteta conveyed his significant displeasure with the decision to deny the spot-kick, whereas Atletico’s players were in agreement that the referee had made the correct call. Diego Simeone chose to direct attention to Arsenal’s earlier penalty, suggesting it was not a clear penalty offense. Meanwhile, Declan Rice posited that the atmosphere at the Metropolitano stadium influenced the VAR officials in Switzerland.
Piero Hincapie: ‘It’s a clear error’
Defender Piero Hincapie did not dwell on the impact of the Metropolitano crowd but was unequivocal in his assessment that the referee’s decision was a clear mistake.
“It’s a bit… The penalty they didn’t give, it was very clear. And that’s it, positive result,” Hincapie stated to Movistar+, clearly frustrated. “Yes, clearly the referee made a mistake. It was a very clear penalty, but we continue, and we hope they go our way on other occasions.”
Viktor Gyokeres: ‘The second leg will be different’
Forward Viktor Gyokeres also addressed the media post-match, telling TNT Sports that while the team performed well in the first half, they lost their grip on the game in the second.
“I think in the first half, we controlled the game quite well, and we had a few good opportunities to score. We managed to score one, to get the goal, and then in the second half they started much better. They got a goal eventually, and towards the end we got a few okay chances, but it’s a tough game, we knew it would be a tough place to come.”
He, too, expressed some disappointment regarding the decision not to award Eze a penalty.
“I didn’t see theirs, so difficult to say, but yeah, it’s football. I don’t know why they turned [Eze’s appeal] down, it looks like there’s contact, but it’s their decision.”
Regarding Arsenal’s response to Atletico Madrid’s strong start in the second half, Gyokeres believes the Emirates Stadium will present a different scenario.
“Yeah, it was not very easy. Of course they have the crowd here. We always try to play and get the momentum back that we had in the first half, and got it back a bit late on, but it’s a tough second half. We know it will be different with our fans in the second leg, and we know we have to do our job, be at our best, and it’s going to be a good game at home.”
The return leg is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 CEST in London next Tuesday. Atletico Madrid are aiming for their fourth final appearance, while both clubs are seeking their inaugural victory in the competition.