Diego Simeone has offered his take on the controversial penalty decisions that marred Atletico Madrid's Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal. Three spot kicks were awarded at the Metropolitano on Wednesday evening, sparking debate and frustration from both managers.
The Penalty Decisions
The first penalty saw Arsenal awarded a spot kick after Viktor Gyokeres was brought down, with the Swedish striker converting. Atletico then received their own penalty when Julian Alvarez scored from 12 yards following an apparent handball by Ben White. Arsenal believed they had been given a second penalty when David Hancko stood on Eberechi Eze's foot, but referee Danny Makkelie overturned his decision after reviewing multiple replays at the VAR booth.
Arteta's Anger
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was incensed by the overturned decision. He said: "After going into the dressing room and speaking to the boys, watching the penalty incident for the second one being overturned, I am extremely disappointed and annoyed because it was against the rules. It changes the course of the tie, so very, very upset."
Simeone's Verdict
Atletico head coach Simeone gave his view on the incidents. He stated: "In my opinion, the first penalty involved contact from behind; the player anticipated the contact and went down. In Champions League semi-finals, you need a penalty that is truly a penalty. The referee understood that it was. On the other occasion, thanks to VAR, he understood that it was a penalty initially, but then, also thanks to VAR, it wasn't. VAR sometimes gives you the benefit of the doubt and sometimes takes it away."
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid will renew their rivalry next week at the Emirates Stadium. Simeone sent a rousing message to his side: "I rarely remember this atmosphere at the start of the match. It was tremendous, wonderful, a gift to the team. The first half was calmer, with one chance for Julian and one for them. In the second half we adjusted more; you could see their fatigue from so many games. In the second half we could have taken the lead, but their goalkeeper made good saves, and a defender saved one from Griezmann. We have an extraordinary challenge ahead: London, Arsenal's ground. We will go and play with everything."
Simeone was also involved in an incident after the game, appearing to clash with Arsenal defender Ben White in the tunnel.
