SOCCER: Arteta fumes after Arsenal have penalty overturned against Atletico

MADRID — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta criticized the decision to overturn a penalty awarded to his side, a call that proved costly in a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday.

The incident came in the second half when Eberechi Eze appeared to be stepped on inside the box. Referee Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the spot but reversed his decision after a VAR review, denying Arsenal what could have been a decisive advantage.

Arteta argued there was clear contact and questioned the length of the review process.

“What I’m incredibly fuming about is how the hell the penalty on Ebs gets overturned,” Arteta said. “If you have to watch it 13 times... that’s a goal that can change the course of the season. This cannot happen.”

Atletico Madrid were also awarded a penalty when the ball struck Ben White’s arm following a deflection. Julian Alvarez converted from the spot to level the match in the 56th minute. Arteta acknowledged that decision, even while noting it may not have been given under Premier League standards.

“The same way we have to accept Ben White’s penalty, Ebs’ is a clear penalty,” he said.

Despite his frustration, Arteta praised his team’s composure in a difficult atmosphere in Madrid and emphasized that the tie remains open heading into the second leg.

“It’s all to play for in London,” he said. -Reporting by Charlie Devereux; editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters