VAR DENIES ARSENAL AS ARTETA BLASTS DECISION IN MADRID

Arsenal were left frustrated after a controversial VAR intervention denied them a late advantage in their 1-1 Champions League semi-final first leg draw against Atletico Madrid.

The Gunners had taken the lead through Viktor Gyokeres, who converted from the penalty spot after a foul by David Hancko, before Julian Alvarez equalised for Atletico with another spot-kick following a Ben White handball.

Arsenal thought they had a chance to win it late on when Eberechi Eze was brought down by Hancko and referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot, only to reverse the decision after consulting VAR.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was furious with the outcome.

“What I’m incredibly fuming with is how the penalty on Eze gets overturned,” he said. “This changes the course of the game at this level. This cannot happen.”

Atletico boss Diego Simeone, however, defended the use of VAR.

“Sometimes VAR gives and sometimes it takes away,” he said.

The tie remains finely balanced ahead of the decisive second leg in London.