Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed frustration over key decisions by Dutch referee Danny Makkelie during his side’s UEFA Champions League semifinal first-leg clash against Atlético Madrid.
Arteta took issue with the decision to award Atlético a penalty, as well as another incident where Arsenal were denied a spot-kick.
The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw in Madrid ahead of the second leg scheduled for May 5 at the Emirates Stadium. Viktor Gyökeres converted from the penalty spot in the 44th minute to give Arsenal the lead, before Julián Álvarez equalised for Atlético in the 56th minute.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Arteta reflected on the impact of the referee’s decision by stating that,
“Speaking to the boys and understanding the penalty incident for the second goal getting overturned. It was against the rules and I don’t understand it. Very upset.”
“There is clear contact; he makes the decision and you can’t overturn it when you have to watch it 13 times.”
“It’s the wrong decisions and it changes the course of the tie. We are in an incredible position. It is in our hands.”
