Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 23:24 / Updated on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 23:28
The decisive moment of the first half of Atletico Madrid – Arsenalthe first leg of the semi-finals of the Champions League, happened in the 43rd minute. David Hancko (28 years old), the defender of the hosts, attacked Viktor Gyokeres (27 years old), the top of the guests, in the box.
Dutch referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the penalty spot and the Swedish forward converted the 11-yard shot with no problems.
PHOTO. Controversial penalty in Atletico Madrid – Arsenal
Gyokeres took over in the opponent's box and was bumped from behind by Hancko. But he fell easily, without any contact at the level of the legs. It was the English's only shot on target after 45 minutes.
David Hancko has given away a penalty in two of his last three appearances for Atletico Madrid (Real Madrid and Arsenal) after not committing any such offense in his first 41 games for the club this season, according to Squawka.
Former referee Alfonso Perez Burrull, MARCA referee expert, analyzed the phase as follows: “Gyokeres exaggerated the fall, it wasn't enough of a push for the penalty“.
Diego Simeone, the manager of Atletico Madrid, was caught by the TV cameras as he showed the substitute referee how his defender acted, extremely unhappy with the decision.
Atletico are very careless. Arsenal showed some beautiful football in the build-up phase. It's a successful phase by Gyokeres, he interposes his body between the opponent and the ball and simply waits for contact. The referee was forced to award the penalty kick.
– Ally McCoist. the former Rangers striker, for TNT Sports
I think it's a penalty because the defender is in the wrong position and it allows Gyokeres to go down.
– Stephen Warnockformer Liverpool player
Personally, I think it's easily granted, but there's probably not enough reason to overturn the decision.
– Nedum Onuohaformer Manchester City footballer
Penalty or not? In the GSP Live Special studio, the score was 2-1 at halftime
The phase was debated during the break in the GSP Live Special show, moderated by Mihai Mironică. The journalist considered that the decision was controversial and recalled another penalty invented by the Dutchman.
Journalists Ion Alexandru and Daniel Scorpie also commented on the phase. The first claims that it's a clear penalty, while the GSP journalist talked about a light penalty.
Another controversial decision. I can't forget his decision 5 years ago, when he put England in the final of the European Championship, then to the detriment of Denmark, after a penalty invented for the English.
Now, for the Premier League leader, he dictates a shot from 11 yards, which is disputed by some, accepted by others. Arsenal fans approve, while those from Atletico, led by Diego Simeone, have vehemently contested it. It looks like a «soft penalty».
– Mihai Mironicaat the GSP Live Special
I say it was a penalty, Gyokeres challenges him, if we don't foul something like that, I don't know what we're doing. It's Arsenal's half, they controlled the game as they wanted.
Atletico had their chances, but Arsenal were the more dangerous team that tried to build and managed to score through their Swede.
– Ion Alexandru
I remember another penalty that Liverpool received against Inter on “Meazza”, in Bastoni. And there was a cover there, similar phase. A light penalty, «penaltyuț».
– Daniel Scorpio
Penalty in the second half as well
Makkelie awarded his second penalty in the 55th minute after VAR intervention following a clear foul on Ben White. Julian Alvarez executed it and converted it smoothly.
