UEFA Explains VAR Penalty Calls in Arsenal Champions League Games

UEFA has explained VAR decisions in recent Arsenal Champions League games. This follows controversy over overturned penalty calls, with UEFA stating clear reasons for each decision.
By Newsroom | Football, Europe |

UEFA has issued statements addressing controversial penalty incidents involving Arsenal in recent Champions League fixtures. The governing body sought to explain the reasoning behind VAR interventions that overturned initial referee decisions, citing specific criteria for such reviews.

The latest clarification came regarding Eberechi Eze's denied penalty in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid on Thursday, April 30, 2026. VAR intervened after referee Danny Makkelie initially awarded a spot-kick following a challenge by David Hancko on Eze. After reviewing the incident, the VAR team recommended Makkelie consult his on-field monitor. Ultimately, the penalty was rescinded. UEFA's statement on the matter was concise: "Atleti player, No 17, did not commit a foul on the opponent." This aligns with UEFA's stated protocol that VAR will only intervene for "clear and obvious mistakes." Despite the contact with Eze's foot, the officials concluded no foul had occurred. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta slammed the decision as "completely unacceptable". The match concluded in a 1-1 draw.

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Earlier in the competition, UEFA also provided explanations for overturned penalty decisions during Arsenal's quarter-final tie against Real Madrid. In one instance, a penalty awarded to Real Madrid for an alleged foul by Declan Rice on Kylian Mbappe was reversed after a lengthy VAR review. UEFA's clarification indicated that the decision was not based on an offside call, but rather on the determination that no foul had been committed. Reports noted the VAR process for this incident extended for several minutes.

A separate incident involving an Arsenal penalty during a match against Paris Saint-Germain was also addressed. While details are less extensive in the provided material, it is understood that Arsenal was informed of the reasoning behind a non-penalty decision in their Champions League semi-final first leg.

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These explanations from UEFA come amidst significant debate and, in Arteta's case, strong criticism regarding the application of VAR in crucial moments affecting Arsenal's progression in the Champions League. The governing body's statements aim to provide transparency, though they have not necessarily quelled all controversy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did UEFA explain the VAR decision on Eberechi Eze's denied penalty against Atletico Madrid on April 30, 2026?
UEFA stated that the player in No. 17 did not commit a foul on the opponent, explaining the VAR decision to overturn the initial penalty awarded. This followed their protocol that VAR only intervenes for clear and obvious mistakes.
Q: What was UEFA's explanation for the overturned penalty in Arsenal's quarter-final against Real Madrid?
UEFA clarified that a penalty awarded for an alleged foul by Declan Rice on Kylian Mbappe was reversed because no foul was committed. The decision was not based on an offside call.
Q: What is UEFA's general policy on VAR interventions?
UEFA's policy is that VAR will only intervene for 'clear and obvious mistakes' made by the on-field referee. This aims to ensure consistency and fairness in match decisions.
Q: How did Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta react to the VAR decision on April 30, 2026?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta strongly criticized the decision, calling it 'completely unacceptable'. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Q: What is the overall impact of UEFA's statements on VAR decisions involving Arsenal?
UEFA's statements aim to provide transparency regarding controversial VAR decisions affecting Arsenal in the Champions League. However, these explanations have not fully ended the debate or criticism surrounding the calls.