Viktor Gyokeres baffled by refereeing decision during Arsenal’s draw vs Atletico Madrid

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Arsenal drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening, but, once again, the game was overshadowed by refereeing controversy.

Indeed, this was a tale of two penalties, and there was almost a third as well as Eberechi Eze went down late in the game and was initially awarded a spot kick.

However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Viktor Gyokeres has added to the debate surrounding Arsenal’s disallowed penalty against Atletico Madrid, admitting he was surprised the decision was overturned.

The incident came after Eberechi Eze went down in the box following clear contact, with the referee initially pointing to the spot. VAR later intervened and reversed the decision, judging the contact to be too soft, which immediately sparked controversy.

Viktor Gyokeres shocked by Arsenal penalty being overturned

Gyokeres, who had been substituted by that point, shared his verdict on what he saw.

The striker says he doesn’t understand why this decision was overturned, claiming that, from his perspective, it seemed like there was contact.

“What about the one on Eze? Because by that point, you were on the bench. Did you manage to get a replay of it? What were you told?” Gyokeres was asked.

“I don’t know why they turned it down. It looks like a contact, but yeah, it’s their decision,” Gyokeres said.

His reaction reflects the wider confusion around the call.

There was contact, and that is not being disputed. The issue is how that contact was interpreted. In real time, it was enough for the referee to award a penalty. On review, it was deemed insufficient. That gap between the two decisions is what has caused frustration.

The situation has been made more controversial by claims that Diego Simeone’s behaviour on the touchline may have influenced the outcome. The Argentine was visibly animated during the incident, and some have suggested that reaction added pressure on the officials.

Simeone is the ultimate game-player, and, on this occasion, his antics have allowed his team to come out on top.