“Arsenal harmed by VAR in draw with Atlético de Madrid.”

Arsenal was brutally wronged TWICE in the 1-1 draw with Atlético de Madrid, warns former Premier League referee

Arsenal left Madrid with a bitter taste after the 1-1 draw against Atlético de Madrid, but the controversy did not end with the result. Mark Halsey, a former referee in the Premier League, did not hesitate to point out that the Gunners were unfairly treated in two crucial moments of the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.

During the match, which had a breath-taking finish, Arsenal saw a penalty awarded in their favor overturned after VAR intervention, a decision that continues to raise doubts and outrage among fans and experts. Halsey, in strong statements, explained his view: “I saw another controversial penalty, initially given and then taken away after VAR review. In real time, I thought it was a clear foul by Hanko on Eze. It was clumsy, yes, there was contact. Referee Danny Makkelie called the foul at the moment, but then VAR recommended the review.”

The former referee did not hold back in criticizing the role of VAR, questioning its intervention: “Was it a clear and obvious error by the referee? In my opinion, no. Yes, there was contact, but it was not an obvious mistake, so why did VAR intervene again? They are being too strict; they shouldn’t have gotten involved in the decision.”

To make matters worse, Halsey condemned the attitude of Atlético’s coach, Diego Simeone, from the sidelines: “Simeone’s actions on the bench were a disgrace. I can’t believe the fourth official didn’t intervene and call the main referee to address the situation.”

But the controversies did not end there. Halsey also highlighted another key moment: “We saw two major penalty incidents in the game. There was also a controversial handball incident involving Ben White, who tried to block a shot, was off-balance, and had his arm in a natural position. How can that be considered deliberate handball?”

The former referee was unequivocal in his criticism of VAR decisions: “These handball fouls are always called in the Champions League, but that doesn’t make them right. In my opinion, no. Just yesterday we saw a ridiculous decision in a match between PSG and Bayern, where an alleged deliberate handball resulted in an absurd penalty. And today we are witnessing the same scenario.”

Mark Halsey left no doubt: Arsenal was doubly wronged in Madrid, with decisions that could have a decisive impact on the tie. With the controversy unleashed, the stage is set for an explosive return at the Emirates, where the Gunners will want justice both on and off the pitch.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.