Arsenal don collect draw for Madrid, but na wetin happen for di penalty wey dem no give dem dey make dem vex. For di Champions League semi-final first leg, Eberechi Eze bin tink say im don win penalty for Arsenal after David Hancko tackle am for di box for minute 78.
Di referee, Danny Makkelie, first point to di spot, but after VAR tell am make im check again for di monitor, im change im mind. Di game end 1-1, and Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta dey fume say di decision na ‘completely unacceptable’.
UEFA come out with statement say ‘Atleti player, No 17, did not commit a foul on the opponent’. Dem no give any more explanation. But many people dey ask question, especially because di referee watch di incident 13 times before im change im mind.
Declan Rice, Arsenal midfielder, talk say di fans for Atletico provoke di referee to change im mind. ‘I think the fans provoked the decision and changed the ref’s mind,’ Rice tok. And Arteta add say ‘You make the decision, you cannot overturn that decision when you have to look at it 13 times. It’s completely unacceptable at this level.’
Di match get three penalties total. Arsenal lead for half-time through Viktor Gyokeres penalty, wey Hancko cause again. But Atletico equalize through Julian Alvarez penalty after VAR see handball for Ben White. Arteta accept dat one, say di handball rule for Champions League different from Premier League.
Diego Simeone, Atletico coach, praise im fans say ‘Today was incredible; the atmosphere as we arrived at the stadium was impressive.’ And Koke, di captain, say ‘We gave it our best shot… it will all come down to the second leg.’
Di second leg go be for Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal dey hope say di decision no go cost dem. But for now, di controversy dey hot.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor @ nnn.ng
