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English Fury Erupts Over 'Robbery' in Champions League Draw; Legends Slam Referee and Simeone
🇭🇷 Croatia /Sports

English Fury Erupts Over 'Robbery' in Champions League Draw; Legends Slam Referee and Simeone

From Večernji List · (7m ago) Croatian Critical tone

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • English media and football legends decried Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-final as a robbery.
  • The controversy centers on Dutch referee Danny Makkelie's decision to disallow a penalty for Arsenal after a VAR review and award one to Atlético.
  • Critics also targeted Atlético coach Diego Simeone's sideline behavior, suggesting it influenced the referee's calls.

The English sporting public is incandescent following the Champions League semi-final first leg draw between Arsenal and Atlético Madrid. The 1-1 scoreline in Madrid has left a bitter taste, with widespread accusations of a 'robbery' directed at Dutch referee Danny Makkelie. The pivotal moment, a disallowed penalty for Arsenal's Eberechi Eze after a lengthy VAR review, has been branded a "televised controversy" by the Daily Telegraph, which stated Arsenal was "robbed." The decision to award Atlético a penalty for handball against Ben White further fueled the outrage, seen as further evidence of "refereeing inconsistency."

Arsenal has been robbed after Eze was denied a clear penalty in a televised controversy.

— Daily TelegraphHeadline reflecting the English media's outrage over the referee's decision.

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey echoed the sentiment, telling The Sun that Arsenal was "twice wronged." In the CBS studio, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher erupted, questioning the penalty awarded to White: "What was he supposed to do? He’s gone down to block the shot, this is driving me mad... Come on, man, where’s the common sense?" This contrasts sharply with Arsenal and Barcelona legend Thierry Henry's more measured interpretation of the rules, who calmly explained that if a player puts their hand on a ball that is in play, it is a foul if a penalty is awarded.

Arsenal was twice wronged against Atlético.

— Mark HalseyFormer Premier League referee commenting on the perceived injustices against Arsenal.

Beyond the referee's decisions, the behavior of Atlético coach Diego Simeone has drawn significant criticism from the British press. He is accused of relentlessly pressuring Makkelie, which they believe directly influenced the outcome. Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard told TNT Sports that Simeone "played a big part" with his visible actions near the referee as he reviewed the play. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown was even more scathing in his analysis, suggesting Simeone's antics were a deliberate tactic to sway the official. This reflects a broader frustration with what is perceived as unsportsmanlike conduct undermining the integrity of the game.

What was he supposed to do? He’s gone down to block the shot, this is driving me mad... Come on, man, where’s the common sense?

— Jamie CarragherLiverpool legend expressing disbelief at the penalty awarded to Atlético.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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