UEFA has officially explained the VAR decision that left Mikel Arteta fuming and Arsenal fans in disbelief; Yankee Scores reports. 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was “fuming” with the VAR intervention decision, saying it “changed the course” of the game.

The Penalty Incident

Atletico Madrid and Arsenal shared the spoils at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the first leg of the 2025/2026 Uefa Champions League semifinal.

Gunners are disappointed that the center referee controversially overruled a penalty decision after Eberechi Eze went down following a challenge by David Hancko in the 78th minute. The referee concluded Eze made the most of Hancko’s tackle after VAR intervention.

UEFA’s Formal Stance

In a brief statement, UEFA said: “Atleti player, No 17, did not commit a foul on the opponent.”

The Referee’s Expert Analysis

In an interview with Sky Sports, Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher said the referee was spot on with the decision to overrule the penalty.

“If you look at one of the angles, it looks like Eze is clearly fouled; another angle is inconclusive. Rather than look at inconclusive angles, look at conclusive ones. The referee thinks it is a penalty on the field. The VAR, I think, looks at it too much.

“People asked me if it is enough to give a penalty. Once the referee gives the penalty, the question has to be ‘is it enough to turn over?’.

“One angle it looks like he catches him on the top of the foot. The defender definitely doesn’t get the ball. That is all in Eze’s favor.

“Is it enough to turn over? I think not. I don’t think it is the most obvious penalty in the world, but once it is given, it is given.

“Once it is given, it has to be clear and obvious. There is not enough to overturn it.”