Hearts coach Derek McInnes criticizes a 'disgusting' VAR penalty decision that helped Celtic win 3-2 against Motherwell, keeping the Scottish Premiership title race alive until the final day.
⚽️ Champions League news, 8pm BST kick-off (first leg: 1-1)⚽️ Today’s Football Daily | Follow us on Bluesky | Mail ScottThe two biggest names in European football never to win the continent’s biggest prize meet for a place in the final. It’s 20 years since Arsenal found themselves 14 minutes from glory, only for Barcelona to hit them with a couple of sucker punches; their continental roll of honour (one Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, one Cup Winners’ Cup) is absurdly short given the size and status of the grand old club. Atlético Madrid have made more of an imprint in Europe, with three Europa Leagues, a Cup Winners’ Cup and three Super Cups, but the big one has eluded them as well: they’ve suffered the trophy being snatched from under their nose in excruciating circumstances not just once but three times, in 1974, 2014 and 2016, insult being bundled up with injury on the latter two occasions by good old Real Madrid.We’re not quite at the Something’s Got To Give stage, seeing this is just the semi, and whoever gets through will be strong second favourites against either Bayern Munich or PSG. But something’s got to give at some point, surely, and reaching the final is the necessary step in making that dream possible. So here we are. Atleti were the better side last week in Madrid, yet Arsenal were nevertheless a contentious penalty decision away from a priceless victory. Mikel Arteta’s men were certainly the better side when the teams met during the league phase last October, though, scoring four goals in 14 second-half minutes. So both teams will fancy their chances. Kick-off is at 8pm BST. Extra time and penalties not beyond the realms. It’s on! Continue reading...
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed fury after a controversial VAR decision denied his side a second penalty in their 1-1 Champions League semifinal draw at Atlético Madrid. Viktor Gyökeres' first-half penalty was cancelled out by Julián Álvarez after the break, but Arsenal were left incensed when referee Danny Makkelie overturned his initial penalty award for a challenge on substitute Eberechi Eze following VAR review. Arteta called the decision 'against the rules' and said it 'changed the course' of the tie, while Atlético boss Diego Simeone commented on VAR's inconsistent application.
Everton manager David Moyes expressed frustration after his team suffered a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United, stating he was 'amazed' that referee Simon Hooper did not award a penalty for a handball in the second half. The defeat leaves Everton searching for answers after a contentious late call in the box.
