Arsenal curse VAR as Atletico Madrid resort to dark arts
Referee Danny Makkelie appears to dismiss Declan Rice (left) and Gabriel Magalhães’ complaints after the VAR chalked off their second-half penalty - Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters This is one where Arsenal will feel they were penalised. Yes, they leave the first leg of this Champions League semi-final as favourites to go through. But how they will believe the odds should be stacked far more heavily in their favour with a win.
It was a game of three penalties. Two were given, one was overturned. Twice the Dutch referee Danny Makkelie was sent to the pitchside monitor.
Both times the decisions went in Atlético Madrid’s favour. Arsenal will justifiably feel both penalties that were awarded to them should have stood and the one that should have been refused – but was not – was given to Atlético. It certainly would not have been awarded in the Premier League but, absurdly, the interpretation of handball appears different in this competition.
Go figure that. So much for consistency. It could be argued the penalty Arsenal were denied was more clear cut than the one they were given.
And, so, they had one taken away and, after a draw, this tie is frustratingly in the balance. It means Arsenal leave Spain with a sense of grievance and a strengthened belief that they will reach their first Champions League final in 20 years with next Tuesday’s second leg at the Emirates to come. It will be intense.
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