Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard disagree after Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal penalty controversy
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesArsenal FCJamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard offered contrasting views on a controversial handball penalty in the Champions League clash between Atletico Madrid and ArsenalDutch referee Danny Makkelie was very busy during Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal in the Champions League.(Image: Javier SORIANO / AFP via Getty Images)Jamie Carragher slammed the decision to grant Atletico Madrid a second-half penalty against Arsenal for handball, describing it as a "stain on the competition".Shortly before the hour mark, Diego Simeone's outfit drew level when Julian Alvarez confidently converted from the spot to nullify Viktor Gyokeres' opener. However, the Gunners were incensed after referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the penalty spot following a VAR review of the incident.Marcos Llorente's powerful strike seemed to catch Ben White's arm, sparking vociferous protests from the Atletico squad.
Makkelie initially waved away the appeals, but after examining the pitch-side monitor, the Dutch official reversed his decision.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah injury update issued as Liverpool confirms 'minor' problemREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher offers Man Utd vs Liverpool score prediction - 'Not convinced by them'Atletico was handed the chance to equalize from the penalty spot and Alvarez made no mistake, slamming a shot past David Raya.In response to the verdict, former Liverpool center-back Carragher made no secret of his disagreement, suggesting Arsenal were hard done by.Carragher wrote on X: "The Champions League is the best football by a mile, but these penalty decisions for handball really are a stain on the competition. Last night's was worse but that should not be a penalty against White."Jamie Carragher on CBS Sports' Champions League coverage.(Image: CBS Sports)In contrast, Steven Gerrard provided an alternative perspective on the matter."I think when your arm is away from your body, even if you don't mean it, at this level, in this competition, I think they're given," he said on TNT Sports."I don't think it's a penalty in the Premier League but there you go."There was more controversy later in the game too.
Eberechi Eze was brought down by David Hancko, with Makkelie giving another spot kick.Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. There was contact on the England ace, but it was very minimal."I don't think it was a clear and obvious [mistake] and I'm surprised he got sent to the screen," Gerrard said on that incident.In the other semi-final, PSG has a one-goal advantage after it beat Luis Diaz's Bayern Munich in an incredible game that finished 5-4.