UEFA has clarified the reasoning behind the decision not to award Arsenal a late penalty in their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
Substitute Eberechi Eze went down inside the penalty area in the 78th minute after an apparent challenge.
Match official Danny Makkelie initially pointed to the spot, penalising Atletico defender David Hancko.
Although there was contact between Hancko and Eze, VAR stepped in and instructed Makkelie to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Following a closer look at several replays, the referee overturned his original call and withdrew the penalty decision.
The call sparked frustration from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who described it as “completely unacceptable”.
In a brief explanation, UEFA stated: “Atleti player, No. 17, did not commit a foul on the opponent.”
