UEFA clarify reason behind Kylian Mbappe’s penalty being overturned after chaotic six-minute delay.

UEFA has explained why a penalty awarded for a challenge on Kylian Mbappe was eventually overturned following a confusing six-minute VAR delay.

During the second leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal, referee Francois Letexier pointed to the spot for the second time in the match. The decision came as Real tried to claw back a 3-0 deficit from the first leg.

Earlier, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka had seen his attempted Panenka penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois. Later, Letexier awarded Real Madrid a penalty after judging that Declan Rice had pulled back Mbappe in the box.

Rice, who scored twice in Arsenal’s first-leg win, endured a tense wait as VAR examined the incident. Part of the review focused on the potential that Mbappe had been offside when the ball was played toward him.

While TV coverage suggested offside as the reason for overturning the penalty, UEFA later clarified during the first half at the Bernabeu that the real reason was the absence of a foul by Rice. Letexier reversed his call after viewing the pitchside monitor.

UEFA confirmed the updated decision to media shortly after, also noting that Rice’s yellow card—originally issued for the foul—was rescinded, ensuring he remains eligible for the semi-final first leg against PSG.

Interestingly, Arsenal’s earlier penalty—taken by Saka and saved—was also awarded following an overturned decision. In that case, Letexier had missed the incident and awarded the penalty after a VAR-recommended on-field review.