Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has criticised referee Danny Makkelie following a controversial decision in his side’s 1 1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The incident occurred after Julian Alvarez had cancelled out Viktor Gyokeres’ penalty in the second half, leaving the match finely balanced.
Makkelie initially awarded Arsenal a penalty when substitute Eberechi Eze went down in the box. However, after consulting the Video Assistant Referee and reviewing the incident, he reversed his decision.
Reacting after the match, Arteta expressed frustration over the call, describing it as a major turning point in the game.
“After going back into the dressing room, speaking to the boys and watching the penalty incident, it’s extremely disappointing and annoyed because it was against the rules and it changes the course of the tie. I’m very, very upset.
“The whole sequence. There is clear contact, you make the decision you cannot overturn that decision when you have to look at it 13 times. It’s completely unacceptable at this level.
“It’s the wrong decision and it changes the course of the tie. That cannot happen at this level.”
