Arsenal were left angry after a controversial VAR decision denied them a late penalty in their 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night.

Arsenal appeared to have secured a crucial advantage when substitute Eberechi Eze went down in the box following a challenge from Dávid Hancko late in the second half.

Referee Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the spot, sparking celebrations among the travelling supporters.

However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, with Makkelie ruling that the contact was insufficient to warrant a penalty.

Replays suggested there was minimal contact, but the official concluded that Eze had gone over Hancko’s leg rather than being clearly tripped.

The decision proved pivotal in a match already filled with drama. Viktor Gyökeres had earlier given Arsenal the lead from the penalty spot after being fouled by Hancko.

Atletico Madrid responded in the second half through a penalty of their own, awarded after the ball struck Ben White’s arm following a deflection.

The overturned call has drawn criticism, with pundits noting that VAR typically intervenes only in cases of “clear and obvious error.” Analysts pointed to similar incidents, including a recent decision involving Noni Madueke, where minimal contact was deemed sufficient and the on-field decision stood.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not hide his frustration after the match, questioning the consistency of officiating at the highest level.

He argued that such decisions can significantly alter the course of tightly contested fixtures.

The two sides will now head to the decisive second leg at the Emirates Stadium in six days, with the tie finely poised and tensions already running high.