At a Glance:
- Steven Gerrard claims Arsenal deserved a penalty against Atletico Madrid.
- Gerrard explains why David Hancko’s challenge on Eberechi Eze was not punished.
- The pundit was unhappy with the verdict.
Steven Gerrard has a theory about why Arsenal were not awarded a penalty against Atletico Madrid despite David Hancko’s challenge on Eberechi Eze during the 1-1 draw between both sides.
Arsenal struggled against Atletico Madrid but ultimately, big games are often decided by refereeing decisions.
Late into the second half, Hancko stuck his foot out and appeared to foul Eze from the naked eye. However, referee Danny Makkelie, who initially gave Arsenal a penalty overturned his decision.
Steven Gerrard believes Mikel Arteta’s side were deserving of a spot-kick.
Steven Gerrard: Diego Simeone’s ‘performance’ robbed Arsenal of penalty vs Atletico Madrid
Gerrard told TNT Sports that in his view, Diego Simeone’s animated reaction to the penalty pressurised the referee to reverse their original decision despite Eze being fouled.
The Liverpool legend claimed that the decision was not one that merited being reversed, and emphasised that in such circumstances, it is imperative for a referee to hold his serve.
Steven Gerrard said via BBC Sport: “Referees have got to have the bravery to stick with their own decision. It was not a clear and obvious mistake and everyone knows that. But Simeone’s performance makes the referee doubt his decision.”
Diego Simeone accuses Viktor Gyokeres of diving in Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal
Diego Simeone is a manager who wears his heart on the sleeve. Being Atletico Madrid through and through, it was no surprise to see the Argentine be as animated as ever as he was on Wednesday.
From Arsenal’s point of view, they would be frustrated as they were leading 1-0 in the first half and could not get over the line.
After the contest, Diego Simeone claimed via journalist Sam Dean that Viktor Gyokeres went to ground too easily and was awarded a penalty.
Simeone on Arsenal’s penalty: “My humble opinion is that the player [Gyokeres] feels contact on his back and just drops down. This cannot be a penalty.”
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) April 29, 2026
“My humble opinion is that the player feels contact on his back and just drops down. This cannot be a penalty.”
It will be interesting to see how pundits like Steven Gerrard react to Diego Simeone’s claim when breaking down the latest battle between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.
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