Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid ended in a 1-1 draw in Spain, leaving the tie perfectly poised for the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, who have been one of the most formidable sides in world football this season, still believe they have what it takes to lift the trophy—especially with Bayern Munich and PSG also in the mix.

However, Arsenal may feel they let a golden opportunity slip away, thanks in large part to a controversial penalty awarded to the hosts. Mikel Arteta’s men took the lead from the spot, only for Atletico to be handed a penalty of their own after Ben White was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area. The Spanish side converted, leveling the score and ensuring the match lacked the electric intensity of the previous night’s semi-final clash.

The drama didn’t end there. Arsenal were awarded a second penalty after David Hancko was deemed to have fouled Eberechi Eze, but a VAR review overturned the decision. The incident sparked heated debate, with former referee Mark Halsey leading the charge against the technology’s involvement.

Speaking to The Sun, Halsey said: “Now for me, in real time, I thought it was a clear foul by Hancko on Eze. Yes, clumsy. Yes, there was contact. Referee Danny Makkelie gives it in real time and then VAR recommends review. Now was it a clear and obvious error by the match referee? In my opinion, no. Yes, there was contact. But it’s not a clear and obvious error, so why, once again, has VAR got involved? Being too forensic, they should never have intervened.”

As Arsenal gear up for the decisive second leg, the debate over VAR’s role in big moments continues to dominate headlines—and the Gunners will be hoping for a bit more luck, and a lot less controversy, when they take to the Emirates pitch.