Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal Football Club, expressed his anger after a controversial VAR decision denied his team a penalty during their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atlético Madrid, which ended in a 1-1 draw. In the 78th minute, referee Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the penalty spot after Atlético defender David Hancko fouled Arsenal substitute Eberechi Eze. However, after reviewing the incident multiple times on the pitchside monitor, Makkelie reversed his decision, stating that the contact was insufficient. Arteta criticized this overturning, stating that it was unacceptable to change a decision after such extensive review, especially when it could significantly impact the match's outcome. He acknowledged the penalties awarded earlier in the match, one for Arsenal and one for Atlético, but insisted that the VAR process should have upheld the original penalty for Eze. Despite the disappointment, Arteta praised his players for their performance in a challenging atmosphere at the Metropolitano Stadium, noting that the second leg in London next Tuesday remains crucial for their chances in the tournament.