Robert Pires on Arsenal penalty controversy: If it was for Atlético, it would’ve been given

The Arsenal legend has backed Mikel Arteta’s criticism of the officiating following a series of controversial decisions during the first leg

Arsenal legend Robert Pires, a pillar of the historic 2004 Invincibles side, has offered a blunt assessment of the first leg’s officiating errors as the Gunners seek to overturn the 1-0 deficit against Atlético Madrid.

The Frenchman suggested that the psychological weight of a previous 4-0 defeat in November would loom large over the visitors, but he remained focused on the referee calls that have hindered the Gunners’ European progress.

Pires was particularly vocal regarding the failure of the officials to award a penalty for a foul on Eberechi Eze, a decision that has sparked significant internal worry within the sporting department.

“The problem is that the referees don’t make decisions. Or if they do, the people in the VAR go against the referee,” Pires told EFE.

“I think the one involving Eze, if it’s for Atlético, is a penalty. It was a bad call against Arsenal, but this Tuesday it could be a bad one against Atlético.”

This alignment with Arteta’s assessment highlights a primary belief that the officiating bulk in European competition has lacked the precision required to maintain a fair and balanced playing field.

Domestic ambition remains the undisputed priority for North London

Beyond the immediate tactical battle, Pires provided a candid on the club’s strategic ranking of the major honours available this spring.

While the Champions League represents a significant goal, he asserted that reclaiming the league title remains the primary motivation for the board and the fans.

“The priority is the league,” he added. “Seriously. The priority is winning the Premier League. For the club, the Premier League is the most important thing.

“What they want – and what we former players want – is to see Arteta and [Martin] Odegaard lift the Premier League trophy.”

The former French international also warned the visitors that the technical dominance Arsenal displayed in their previous meeting would be a blueprint for the return leg.

“Atlético already know that coming here is going to be tough, because when they came in November they lost 4-0,” Pires noted.

“They know they’re going to have to run a lot, that Arsenal don’t want to give up possession. It’s going to be a very tight second-leg semi-final.”

With German official Daniel Siebert set to take charge, a referee against whom Atlético have never won, the pressure is on the Spanish side to deliver away at the Gunners.