Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice may face disciplinary action from UEFA after commenting on the refereeing in the club’s 1‑1 semi‑final draw with Atlético Madrid.
Rice criticised several decisions that he said disadvantaged Arsenal in the first leg at the Metropolitano. He also alleged that the hostile atmosphere in the stadium influenced officials to overturn a penalty awarded to Atlético’s Eberechi Eze. The penalty decision was later reversed by referee Danny Makkelie, a change that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described as “changing the direction of the match and the tie”.
UEFA is reviewing Rice’s statements to determine whether they undermine the integrity of match officials, according to The Times. If the governing body deems the remarks to be a breach of conduct, Rice could receive a ban that would prevent him from playing in the return leg at the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday and, potentially, from a future European final should Arsenal progress.
The midfielder is currently expected to be available for the second leg, scheduled for Tuesday, 7 April, and Arsenal remain in contention for a place in the UEFA Champions League final. The outcome of UEFA’s investigation will be announced in the coming days.
The incident highlights UEFA’s increasing scrutiny of player comments on officiating, reinforcing the governing body’s policy that public criticism of referees may lead to sanctions. Arsenal and their supporters will await the decision, which could have implications for the club’s chances of reaching the tournament’s climax.
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