Arsenal was on the end of a controversial penalty decision in its Champions League semifinal first leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, and Jamie Carragher wasn't impressed
Daniel Orme Trends Writer
15:25, 30 Apr 2026
Jamie Carragher has made his feelings clear
Jamie Carragher has made his feelings clear(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has demanded a Champions League rule overhaul after being left incensed by Atletico Madrid's penalty decision against Arsenal.
The La Liga team was handed a spot kick during the opening period at the Metropolitano on Wednesday. Ben White stood accused of a handball, with Gunners target Julian Alvarez converting from the spot. This followed Arsenal's own penalty after Viktor Gyokeres was brought down by David Hancko before finding the net.
Carragher shared his thoughts on the controversial award and expressed bewilderment at the decision. Speaking on CBS Sports, the ex-Liverpool defender remarked: "What's he supposed to do? He has fallen down trying to block a shot. It's winding me up!
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"The thought of a Champions League final being decided on that... I'm not having it. It's not right, it's not fair. I just think it's gone far too far. Don't get me wrong, as soon as I saw the incident, I knew it was going to be a penalty.
"This is the Champions League way of doing it. But honestly, if we go to Budapest and someone wins the Champions League on one of these ridiculous handballs, it's a stain on the Champions League.
"The Champions League is the best competition in the world by a mile. The World Cup can't come close, no domestic division can come close. The only thing letting it down is this.
Mikel Arteta's players were forced to settle for a draw
Mikel Arteta's players were forced to settle for a draw(Image: Getty Images)
"You're just thinking this is ridiculous. You've got the best players in the world competing for the biggest trophy they can win in club football. And something like that is going to decide a game at this level.
"It's not right. It's not fair on the players. Nobody likes it."
When pressed by fellow pundit Thierry Henry on what improvements he'd like to see in the competition, Carragher responded: "It's just a bit of common sense.
"The first thing that would stop the two penalties we saw the last two nights, if something hits another part of your body and then hits your arm, it's not a penalty!"
Unsurprisingly, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was among those seething at the final whistle in Madrid, directing his frustration specifically at the overturning of Arsenal's late penalty decision.
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Eberechi Eze had been brought down, yet the referee reversed his ruling after consulting VAR.
Arteta said: "Well after going into the dressing room and speaking to the boys and understanding and watching the penalty incident for the second one, getting it overturned, extremely disappointed and annoyed because it was against the rules and I don't understand it. It changes the course of the tie, so very, very upset."
The two sides will meet again at the Emirates Stadium next week for the second leg of the semifinal, with the Gunners also continuing their Premier League title challenge when they welcome Fulham on Saturday.