Arsenal were leading at the Wanda Metropolitano until Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvaras scored from the penalty spot in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Atletico Madrid were given a penalty in the second half against Arsenal (Image: TNT Sports)
Jamie Carragher has criticized the decision to award Atletico Madrid a second-half penalty during their handball game against Arsenal, calling it a “stain on the competition”. The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw in Spain after several VAR disputes.
Diego Simeone’s side equalized just before the hour when Julián Álvarez’s powerful spot-kick canceled out a first-half shot by Victor Gyoqueres. However, the Gunners were furious as referee Danny McCarey chose to point to the spot after VAR advised him to look at the incident again.
Marcos Llorente’s fierce shot appeared to hit Ben White in the arm, prompting a furious appeal from Atletico players. McCarey initially did not give it, but after taking a closer look at the pitchside monitor, the Dutchman changed his mind and decided to give Atlético the chance to equalize from 12 yards.
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Following the decision, it is fair to say that former Liverpool defender Carragher did not agree with the decision and said it was a shame the Gunners had awarded the penalty.
Carragher told X: “The Champions League is by far the best football, but these penalty decisions for handball are a real stain on the game. Last night was much worse, but it shouldn’t have been a penalty against White.”
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard gave a different take on the incident. “I think when your arm is away from your body, even if it’s not your intention, it’s allowed at this level, in this competition,” he told TNT Sports.
“I don’t think it’s a penalty in the Premier League, but it’s ok.”
Julian Alvaras scores from 12 yards (Image: David Ramos – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Co-commentator McCoist added: “Was there any contact on his left foot? I doubt it. I don’t think so. I really don’t like it. I don’t know if there was any contact on his left foot.”
Minutes after Atlético had scored the equalizer, McCarey awarded Arsenal a penalty after feeling Eberechi Eze brought down in the box by David Hanko. Eze felt contact from Hanko and fell to the ground, but McCarey pointed to the spot without hesitation, much to the annoyance of Simeone and the Atlético players.
However, after a VAR review was carried out and McCarey turned to the pitchside monitor, he decided to reverse his initial decision and prevent the Gunners from scoring from 12 yards remaining.
The match ultimately ended 1-1, setting the stage for next week’s second leg at Emirates Stadium.
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