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.
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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. At this level, it's completely unacceptable."
When pressed on the penalty awarded to Atletico, after Ben White was penalized for a handball infraction inside the Arsenal box, Arteta said: "It is a rule, and they have been quite consistent with that.
"So, on that one, if you're going to give a penalty for this kind of thing, you have to accept that. I have nothing to say on that, but the one that changes completely everything is a penalty on Ebs, and that can not happen at this level."
Speaking to reporters during the post-game press conference, Arteta continued in the same vein. Addressing the penalty conceded by his side, the Arsenal manager said: "We did what we wanted, went ahead with the penalty.
"That is something we knew we would have to go through. In the Premier League, it is not a penalty, but how consistent they have been, I have to accept it."
Arteta subsequently added: "We have seen different criteria. Ben White's penalty isn't a penalty in the Premier League, but it is in UEFA."
Turning to the decision to deny Arsenal a penalty-kick in the second half, the Spaniard said: "What I am incredibly fuming [about] is the penalty that is overturned on Ebz.
"At this level, I am sorry it is not acceptable. When you have fought so hard for nine months to be in this position. It cannot happen. We put so much on it."
Reflecting on the semi-final, which will be decided at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, May 5, Arteta said: "Well, I think there have been many moments; it is a privilege, and it is great excitement to be here.
"Also, after the substitutions, we went back to where we wanted to be. This decision has changed the course of the game. Everything is to play for in London. We are putting everything on the line on to win the Premier League on Sunday."
Prior to Arsenal's second leg Champions League semi-final game with Atletico at the Emirates, the Gunners must first navigate a Premier League meeting with Fulham. Arsenal will welcome Marco Silva's team on Saturday as they seek to maintain their advantage at the summit of the table.