Arsenal's VAR Fury: Were the Decisions Fair?

Arsenal drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in their Champions League semi-final first leg, but three penalties dominated the debate. Mikel Arteta was left "incredibly fuming" over one late call that could have changed the tie.

Viktor Gyokeres scored Arsenal's first penalty after a foul by David Hancko. Julian Alvarez levelled with Atletico's spot-kick for Ben White's handball. Then, with the score tied, Makkelie awarded another penalty when Hancko challenged Eberechi Eze—but VAR prompted a review, and it was overturned.

Arteta called it a "clear and obvious" error that altered the game, questioning why the referee reviewed it 13 times. Pundits were split: Steven Gerrard said officials were influenced by a similar PSG penalty, while Nedum Onuoha saw all three as soft.

The overturned call mirrored a recent Leverkusen incident where minimal contact stood—Uefa's threshold for VAR intervention appears narrow, though Premier League rules might have differed. White's handball was clear under Uefa guidelines (arm extended after deflection), but borderline in England.

Arsenal head home favorites, but the officiating leaves a sour note.