Mikel Arteta has labelled the referee’s decision to reverse a penalty awarded to Arsenal as ‘completely unacceptable’. The Gunners were contentiously denied a spot-kick during the second half of their tie with Atletico Madrid when David Hancko was deemed not to have fouled Eberechi Eze.
The referee initially awarded a spot-kick when Eze fell to the floor, but after a lengthy VAR check, overturned his decision. Both managers were seen shouting at the official on the touchline, with Diego Simeone celebrating the final call similar to his team’s goal on the evening.
Speaking to TNT Sports following the final whistle, the Arsenal manager did not mince his words. 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.”
“Speaking to the boys and understanding the penalty incident for the second goal getting overturned. It was against the rules and I don’t understand it. Very upset. There is clear contact; he makes the decision and you can’t overturn it when you have to watch it 13 times.”
When asked if the referee was influenced by the atmosphere inside the stadium, Arteta replied: “I don’t know. That’s an answer for him. It’s the wrong decions and it changes the course of the tie.
“It is a rule and they have been quite consistent with that. I have nothing to say on that. The one I have to say is the penalty. There are a lot of positives. A lot of very good things that we did. We knew we would have tough moments. Their home record is once again.
“We are in an incredible position. We have to play in front of our people. It is in our hands.”
Arteta then decided to look ahead to their Premier League return, against Fulham on Saturday, and added: “Make sure they eat, sleep and get a lot of love to make sure they are in the best position.”
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres agreed with his head coach that they should have been given a second penalty, after the Swede was fouled in the first half.
“I think in the first half we controlled the game quite well,” he added. “We had a few good opportunities and managed to score. In the second half they started much better and managed to get a goal and then towards the end we had a few okay chances. Overall it was a tough game, it’s a tough place to come but it’s only half-time.
“I didn’t see either of the penalties so it’s difficult to say but that’s football. I don’t know why they turned the second penalty down (on Eze), it looks like contact but it’s the referee’s decision.
“It was not easy once they scored, they have the crowd here. We tried to play and get that momentum back that we had in the first half, towards the end we did but it was a tough second half.
“We know when we play at home with our fans it’s going to be different. We just have to do our job and be at our best.”