Gerrard Backs Penalty Conspiracy Claims as Arsenal Fuming Over VAR Reversal

Arsenal emerged from their Champions League semi-final opener against Atletico with a share of the spoils, but the Gunners will harbour serious grievances about a VAR call that left them short of a crucial away victory.

The Madrid outfit trailed after Viktor Gyokeres stepped up to convert from the spot, with Dávid Hancko adjudged to have clattered the Arsenal striker in the box during a first-half period where the visitors controlled proceedings. Atletico looked toothless in response, though they transformed after the interval—Antoine Griezmann rattled the bar while Ademola Lookman spurned two gilt-edged chances against David Raya.

The visitors levelled matters when Ben White was penalised for handling inside the area, allowing Julian Alvarez to level from twelve yards. The decision, while harsh, appeared technically sound.

What followed proved far more contentious. When Eberechi Eze went down under another Hancko challenge in the Atletico box, the referee initially pointed to the spot. However, after being summoned to review the pitchside monitor, he reversed his decision—a call that sparked considerable debate among the watching pundits.

The contact was minimal, and crucially, appeared to fall well short of the "clear and obvious error" threshold required to overturn a penalty award. Yet Arsenal were denied what many felt was their rightful advantage heading back to the Emirates.

Speaking from the commentary box, McCoist aired his suspicions. "I reckon if that's in the other box, it stays given," he suggested, hinting at inconsistency in the application of the law.

Gerrard was swift to build on the theory. "Yeah, probably because of the reaction of the crowd and Simeone," he responded. "I think he played a big part. He's in the referee's eyesight when he's coming over to the screen."

McCoist doubled down: "If that's in the other box, it stays a penalty. I'm telling you."

Martin Keown proved equally scathing of referee Danny Makkelie's handling of the incident, suggesting the official had crumbled under the weight of expectation at the Wanda Metropolitano.

"I simply do not think it was a clear and obvious mistake that needed to be overturned," Keown stated on TNT Sports. "That is not what we wanted VAR for, that is not why it was brought in. The referee should have been allowed to make the decision and VAR gets too involved. The referee should not have even been made to go to the screen."

He added pointedly: "With Simeone looking on, I think the referee has buckled under pressure. There is definite contact and it is clumsy from Hancko."