Credit: TNT Sports

Oliver Walton

Thu 30 April 2026 7:15, UK

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Arsenal should have been awarded a second penalty against Atletico Madrid after referee Danny Makkelie overturned his initial decision following a tackle on Eberechi Eze, according to Keith Hackett.

Eze went tumbling to the floor in the 78th minute under pressure from Atletico defender David Hancko, as Makkelie instantly pointed the spot for the third penalty of the evening.

The decision was checked by the VAR officials, who recommended the Dutch referee to review it on the pitchside monitor, and it was soon overturned as Atleti held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.

Arsenal were incensed by the decision as Eze insisted that he felt contact with Hancko, but their protests came to no avail.

The decision could have huge ramifications for their Champions League hopes, with Arsenal’s next match coming against Fulham before they host Los Rojiblancos in the second leg next week.

Keith Hackett slams VAR intervention after Arsenal were rightly given a second penalty

Arsenal will still feel as if they are in the ascendancy ahead of the second leg, but a one-goal buffer would have seen them enter the game as clear favourites on home turf.

Makkelie was involved in several big decisions, as he gave two earlier penalties to either side, but former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Hackett has exclusively told Football Insider that he was misguided by the VAR officials before overturning the Gunners’ second spot-kick.

He said: “The referee’s first call of a penalty kick award to Arsenal was the correct decision.

“VAR should not have intervened, as this decision did not meet the criteria of a clear and obvious error.

“I was surprised that when experienced referee Danny Makkelie visited the screen, he accepted the video assistant referee, Dennis Higler’s, opinion.

“Sorry (to say), overturning that original decision was incorrect. I have no doubt the Arsenal manager will reflect on that vital decision.”

What has Arteta said about the penalty not being given?

Sources have told Football Insider that Arteta is under serious pressure to succeed at Arsenal this season or he could be sacked if they fail to win a trophy.

He will still feel confident about his side progressing to the Champions League final and moving closer to silverware, but was clearly annoyed by the decision that effectively cost them a first leg victory.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, he said: “I’m extremely disappointed and annoyed because it was against the rules. I don’t understand it, and it changes the course of the tie. I’m very, very upset.

“There is clear contact. If you make the decision, you can not overturn it when you have to look at it 13 times. At this level, it is completely unacceptable.”