Mikel Arteta has described the referee's decision to overturn a penalty awarded to Arsenal as 'completely unacceptable'. The Gunners were controversially denied a spot-kick during the second half of their clash against Atletico Madrid when David Hancko was adjudged not to have fouled Eberechi Eze.
Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the spot when the Arsenal midfielder went down inside the box. But, the Video Assistant Referee, Dennis Higler, and his assistant, Pol van Boekel, quickly intervened.
After a lengthy review of the incident, the on-field referee was sent to the pitchside monitor to take a second look at the collision. To the dismay of Arteta and the delight of Diego Simeone, Makkelie overturned the initial decision of a penalty.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, the Gunners boss fired from the hip. 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."
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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."
Then, when quizzed on the penalty awarded to Atletico, when Ben White was penalised for committing a handball offence 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."
Ben White of Arsenal is adjudged to have handled the ball after a shot from Marcos Llorente
Ben White of Arsenal is adjudged to have handled the ball after a shot from Marcos Llorente (Image: Getty Images)
Then, speaking to reporters in the post-match press conference, Arteta picked up from where he left off. Firstly, on the penalty conceded by his side, the Arsenal boss 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 later added: "We have seen different criteria. Ben White's penalty isn't a penalty in the Premier League, but it is in UEFA."
On the decision to deny Arsenal a spot-kick in the second half, the Spaniard said: "What I am incredibly fuming is the penalty that is overturned on Ebz.
Gabriel of Arsenal is helped up by Ben White, David Raya, Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi after blocking a shot from Antoine Griezmann
Gabriel of Arsenal is helped up by Ben White, David Raya, Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi after blocking a shot from Antoine Griezmann
"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 tie, 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."
Before Arsenal lock horns with Atletico in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, they must face Fulham. The Gunners will host Marco Silva's side on Saturday evening as they look to retain their cushion at the top of the table.
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