Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has claimed that Arsenal were let down on two occasions during their 1-1 Champions League semi-final first leg draw with Atletico Madrid. The Gunners were initially awarded a second penalty in the 78th minute when Eberechi Eze was brought down in the box, but referee Danny Makkelie reversed his decision after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Halsey criticises VAR intervention
Halsey, speaking to The Sun, insisted that the decision to overturn the penalty was incorrect. "In real time, I thought it was a clear foul by Hanko on Eze. Yes, clumsy. Yes, there was contact. Referee Danny Makkelie gives it in real time and then VAR recommends review. Now was it a clear and obvious error by the match referee? In my opinion, no. Yes, there was contact. But it’s not a clear and obvious error, so why, once again, has VAR got involved? Being too forensic, they should never have got involved."
Halsey also condemned Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone for his behaviour on the touchline after the penalty was initially awarded. "I have to say I thought Simeone’s actions on the touchline were a disgrace. I just cannot believe that the fourth official did not act and get the referee over to deal with him."
Handball decision also questioned
Atletico Madrid's equaliser came from a penalty after Ben White was penalised for handball. Halsey believes that was another call that went against Arsenal unfairly. "We’ve seen another, in my opinion, dubious handball decision given after a VAR intervention where Ben White handles the ball, he’s off balance, he’s trying to block the shot, his arm’s in a natural position. So how can that be a deliberate handball?"
The 1-1 result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal will feel aggrieved by the officiating, but Halsey's comments add weight to the argument that VAR is being used too forensically in high-stakes matches.
