Key Takeaways
- Declan Rice faces a potential ban for Arsenal’s second leg against Atletico Madrid after criticising the match referee.
- The midfielder claimed home fans influenced the referee’s decision to overturn a penalty during the 1-1 first leg draw.
- UEFA is reviewing whether these comments breach rules about respecting match officials before the return match at Emirates Stadium.
The Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid hangs in the balance after this week’s 1-1 draw in Spain. However, the Gunners now face a potential problem ahead of the return leg in North London.
Declan Rice spoke angrily about referee Danny Makkelie following the first match. The Arsenal star claimed that supporters inside the Riyadh Air Metropolitano influenced the official to change his mind about a penalty decision.
Rice specifically pointed to an incident involving Eberechi Eze. He said the crowd provoked the referee into reversing the penalty call. These remarks have now caught the attention of European football’s governing body.
UEFA officials are currently studying the referee’s match report. They must decide if Rice’s statements broke strict rules about respecting match officials. If they find him guilty of misconduct, the player could receive a suspension.
This ban would apply to next week’s crucial second leg at Emirates Stadium. Such an outcome would badly damage Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the final. It would also give Diego Simeone’s side a major boost as they target a third Champions League final in 12 years.
Meanwhile, Atletico received positive injury news. Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, and Alexander Sorloth should all recover in time for the trip to London.
The final decision on Rice’s availability will likely take several days. Arsenal supporters must now wait nervously to learn if their key midfielder will face punishment.