Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown criticized referee Danny Makkelie for overturning a penalty in Arsenal’s 1-1 Champions League semi final first-leg draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Makkelie initially awarded Arsenal a penalty but reversed the decision after a VAR review. The match finished level after Julian Alvarez scored in the second half to cancel out Viktor Gyokeres’ first-half penalty.
Speaking on Final Score, Keown said the foul on Eberechi Eze by Atletico’s David Hancko was “clumsy” and did not meet the “clear and obvious” threshold for VAR to intervene.
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He questioned whether Makkelie should have been sent to the pitchside monitor and suggested the official was affected by the atmosphere.
Gyokeres gave Arsenal the lead from the spot in the first half. Alvarez equalized 12 minutes into the second half for Atletico.
The result leaves the tie level ahead of the second leg in London. Arsenal were praised for their defensive performance, but the VAR decision has drawn scrutiny.
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