Former chief referees back Arsenal over Eberechi Eze penalty controversy | OneFootball

Gunners were outraged when they were denied a second-half spot-kick

Two former chief Premier League referees have delivered verdicts on the controversial decision to overrule an Arsenal penalty in the Champions League semi-final.

The north Londoners took the lead in the Spanish capital through Viktor Gyokeres’ spot-kick before Julian Alvarez levelled for the hosts from 12 yards after Ben White was deemed to have handled a Marcos Llorente volley.

Mikel Arteta’s side were denied a late second-half penalty after VAR adjudged Eberechi Eze to already be on his way down after slight contact with David Hancko in the box.

“Rather than look at inconclusive angles, look at conclusive ones. The referee thinks it is a penalty on the field. The VAR, I think, looks at it too much.

"People asked me if it is enough to give a penalty. Once the referee gives the penalty, the question has to be 'is it enough to turn over?'.

"One angle it looks like he catches him on the top of the foot. The defender definitely doesn't get the ball. That is all in Eze's favour.

"Is it enough to turn over? I think not. I don't think it is the most obvious penalty in the world, but once it is given, it is given.

"Once it is given, it has to be clear and obvious. There is not enough to overturn it."

Penalty shout: Eberechi Eze

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Hackett insisted that the VAR “should not have intervened”, believing that the decision had not constituted a clear and obvious error.

“The referee’s first call of a penalty kick award to Arsenal was the correct decision,” Hackett explained to Football Insider.

“VAR should not have intervened, as this decision did not meet the criteria of a clear and obvious error.

“I was surprised that when the referee visited the screen, he accepted the video assistant referee’s opinion.

“Sorry [to say], overturning that original decision was incorrect. I have no doubt the Arsenal manager will reflect on that vital decision.”