Arsenal's Mikel Arteta blasts 'completely unacceptable' penalty U-turn in Champions League

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was furious after their 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw at Atletico Madrid with the referee's decision to overturn a Gunners penalty -Credit:David Ramos - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images Mikel Arteta has labeled the referee's decision to reverse a penalty awarded to Arsenal as 'completely unacceptable. ' The Gunners were controversially denied a penalty-kick during the second half of their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid when David Hancko was ruled not to have fouled Eberechi Eze. Danny Makkelie originally signaled for a penalty when the Arsenal midfielder tumbled inside the area.

However, the Video Assistant Referee, Dennis Higler, and his assistant, Pol van Boekel, swiftly stepped in. Following an extended examination of the incident, the on-field official was directed to the pitchside monitor to review the collision once more. To Arteta's frustration and Diego Simeone's satisfaction, Makkelie reversed his original penalty call, as per football.

london . Iranian soccer boss denied entry into Canada ahead of FIFA Congress FIFA World Cup host county planning free transportation for select fans Arsenal were initially awarded a penalty in the second half after a foul on Eberechi Eze -Credit:Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images Speaking to TNT Sports following the match, the Gunners manager didn't hold back.

Arteta said: "Extremely disappointed and annoyed because it was against the rules, and I don't understand it, and it changes the course of the time, so very, very upset. " Arteta added: "The whole sequence tells the story. I mean, it's like clear contact, you make that decision, you can't overturn that decision, when you have to look at it certain times.