'Inconsistency' - Mikel Arteta fumes over penalty incidents in Atlético Madrid game

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta has expressed displeasure over a penalty decision that went in favor of Atlético Madrid, which leveled the game 1-1 with the Gunners in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League on April 30, 2026.

The controversial penalty came after a debatable handball decision against Ben White, which Julián Álvarez converted to equalize.

Another talking point was referee Danny Makkelie initially awarding a penalty when David Hancko fouled Eberechi Eze. However, after a VAR review, Makkelie overturned his decision.

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Commenting on the incidents, Arteta stated that decisions regarding handball fouls are inconsistent and argued that Eze should also have been awarded a penalty.

“Very clear—in the Premier League it’s not a penalty, in the Champions League it is a penalty. They made it very clear from day one. I think they were consistent yesterday. In the Bayern Munich game, you see a handball, it’s a penalty. I understand that today is a penalty. The second one with Eberechi is unacceptable in my opinion because there is no consistency. You are fuming—I am, because obviously it changes the course of the tie,” he fumed in an interview with CBS Sports Golazo.

The Spanish coach added that competing for both the Champions League and Premier League titles is not easy, but the team will manage the situation and recover quickly to finish the season strongly.

“We can only recover, sleep, eat, and give the boys a lot of love. What we’ve been through is incredible. But it’s the opportunity and the energy that I bring to them. Trying to win the Premier League and the Champions League—there’s nothing like it. Have a good rest,” he added.

Watch the video below:

"Trying to win the Premier League and the Champions League, there's nothing like it."

Mikel Arteta talks to @GuillemBalague after Arsenal's draw with Atlético 👇 pic.twitter.com/infef50rAX
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 29, 2026