UEFA has published a formal explanation regarding the controversial overturning of a late penalty awarded to Arsenal during the first leg of their Champions League semi‑final against Atletico Madrid. The incident unfolded in the 78th minute when Arsenal substitute Eberechi Eze appeared to be brought down inside the box by Atletico defender David Hancko.
Although the challenge made contact with Eze's foot, the video‑assistant referee (VAR) signalled to the referee, Danny Makkelie, that a review was required. After consulting several replays on the pitch‑side monitor, Makkelie concluded that the foul did not merit a penalty and rescinded the decision. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta publicly condemned the reversal as "completely unacceptable," and the match ultimately ended in a 1‑1 draw, setting the stage for a decisive second leg.
In a concise statement, UEFA defended its ruling, declaring: "Atleti player, No 17, did not commit a foul on the opponent." The governing body declined to elaborate further when Sky Sports News pressed for details about the criteria used to overturn the spot‑kick. UEFA reiterated that its VAR protocol is designed to intervene only in "clear and obvious" errors that affect match‑changing moments. The penalty controversy sparked a heated debate among pundits, former officials and players.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, speaking to Sky Sports News, offered his perspective: "If you look at one angle, it looks like Eze is clearly fouled; another angle is inconclusive. Rather than focus on the inconclusive view, you should examine the conclusive evidence. The referee thought it was a penalty on the field, and the VAR, in my opinion, over‑analysed the situation. Once the referee signals a penalty, the question becomes whether there is enough evidence to overturn it.
In this case, I don't think there is. It is not the most obvious penalty in the world, but once it is given, it must be clear and obvious to reverse it, and there wasn't sufficient proof to do so." Arsenal captain Declan Rice backed Arteta's frustration, insisting that the spot‑kick should have stood and suggesting that the hostile atmosphere created by Atletico fans may have influenced the referee's change of mind. Rice said, "It's a clear penalty.
I don't understand why it wasn't given. I think the fans provoked the decision and changed the ref's mind. UEFA operates differently from the Premier League; both bodies must be meticulous because they hand out everything." Arteta, visibly angry after the match, told TNT Sports that the reversal left him "very upset" and described the episode as "extremely disappointing and annoying because it was against the rules and it changes the course of the tie." He added, "There is clear contact.
You make a decision, you cannot overturn that decision after watching it 13 times. It's completely unacceptable at this level. It's the wrong decision." When asked whether Arsenal would lodge a formal protest with UEFA, Arteta replied, "I leave that to the club to decide what's the best thing to do. Now they're not going to give us a penalty.
That's it. That's gone." The incident highlighted the growing scrutiny of VAR usage in high‑stakes fixtures, especially when multiple penalties shape the outcome. The match itself was notable for its penalty drama. Arsenal took the lead at halftime through a spot‑kick converted by Viktor Gyokeres after another clash involving Hancko, who appeared to trip the striker from behind.
Atletico equalised in the second half when Julian Alvarez scored from the spot after VAR identified a handball by Ben White, who inadvertently deflected Marcos Llorente's shot onto his hand. Arteta acknowledged that the handball interpretation in the Champions League differs from the Premier League, stating, "They have been consistent with that.
If you are going to give a penalty for this kind of thing, you have to accept it." The handball decision against White came on the same night as a contentious call involving Alphonso Davies in PSG's semi‑final against Bayern Munich, prompting former England defender Jamie Carragher to call on UEFA to clarify its handball definition. Carragher wrote on social media, "The Champions League is the best football by a mile, but these penalty decisions for handball really are a stain on the competition.
Last night's was worse but that should not be a penalty against White." Overall, the first leg featured three penalties and became the first Champions League knockout match since 2001 in which every goal, when more than one was scored, originated from the spot. The episode reignited the debate over VAR's role, the consistency of handball rulings, and the influence of crowd pressure on officials. As Arsenal and Atletico prepare for the return fixture in Madrid, both sides will be keen to avoid further controversy and focus on the football itself, hoping that any remaining doubts about officiating can be settled on the pitch rather than in press conferences.