In a tense Champions League match on April 29, 2026, between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, referee Danny Makkelie awarded a late penalty to Arsenal, then overturned it after a VAR review. The incident occurred in the 88th minute when Arsenal's Bukayo Saka went down in the box under a challenge from Atletico's Reinildo Mandava. Makkelie initially pointed to the spot, but after consulting the pitchside monitor, he reversed his decision, ruling no foul.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone was seen celebrating the decision on the touchline, while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed frustration in his post-match comments. Arteta said, 'It's a clear penalty. The referee changed his mind under pressure.' Simeone countered, 'The referee made the right call. Football is about fairness.'
The match ended 1-1, with goals from Antoine Griezmann for Atletico and Gabriel Jesus for Arsenal. The result leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg in London. UEFA confirmed the VAR decision was correct based on the available angles, though debate continues among pundits.
