Real Madrid were awarded a penalty in the second half of their Champions League clash with Arsenal after Kylian Mbappe was brought down by Declan Rice
UEFA has clarified why a penalty for Real Madrid was overturned in their Champions League match against Arsenal.
The Spanish side believed they had won a chance to score at the Bernabeu on Wednesday when Kylian Mbappe went down following Declan Rice’s challenge.
To the dismay of the Arsenal player, the referee initially awarded a penalty but then retracted it after VAR spent time reviewing potential offsides and the nature of the foul itself. UEFA issued a statement to clear up any confusion about the decision.
Their statement declared: “No penalty – no foul. Arsenal’s player No. 41 [Rice] did not commit a foul on the opponent.”
The incident provoked a variety of reactions from commentators, with most backing the call to nullify the penalty. Ally McCoist commented on TNT Sports: “Does he give Mbappe a yellow card?
“I’m putting my cards on the table right now – I am delighted to see that decision.”
Former Gunner Matt Upson weighed in as well: “Declan Rice knew, his reaction told us all.
“He’s such an honest player. He couldn’t believe it, especially with the yellow card coming out and knowing he’s missing the semi-final.”
Additionally, Theo Walcott shared his perspective, stating: “The referee has created this situation, where he gave that penalty to Real – it was the right decision to overturn it.
“Arsenal shouldn’t have had their penalty either by the way.”
This revoked penalty was not the only contentious issue of Wednesday’s clash; Arsenal also received a penalty after examination by VAR.
Bukayo Saka took the spot kick but was unable to get past Thibaut Courtois after seeing his chipped effort saved.