Declan Rice’s deeply concerned response to a contentious refereeing call has been a talking point following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Referee Danny Makkelie first gave Arsenal a penalty in the 78th minute at the Metropolitano Stadium after Atletico defender David Hancko’s challenge knocked down Eberechi Eze.
This was the flashpoint. Nevertheless, the official was sent to the pitchside monitor following a VAR review and changed his mind, deeming the contact inadequate.
Rice was seen reacting in shock from the pitch after the ruling was reversed in video footage that went viral online.
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The tie was evenly balanced after the game ended 1-1 ahead of the return leg at Emirates Stadium.
Rice Reacts To Overturned Penalty
Speaking after the match, Rice did not hide his frustration and suggested the intense atmosphere inside Atletico’s stadium may have affected the referee’s decision.
“UEFA is totally different,” he said. “In both boxes you have to be so careful because they give absolutely everything. The second one, on Ebs (Eze), is a clear penalty. I don’t know how that’s not been given. I think the fans provoked the decision and changed the ref’s mind.”
“In the Champions League, referees are very quick to make decisions and blow the whistle, and there is not much you can do about it. I feel like you are penalized more in European competitions.”
UEFA Could Sanction Rice
According to Goal, Rice may now face sanctions from UEFA, which has a stringent policy about remarks deemed to undermine officials due to his vocal criticism.
According to reports, the governing body will examine Rice’s post-match remarks and the referee’s report to decide whether disciplinary action is necessary.
Given the 27-year-old’s prior disciplinary history—he was suspended earlier in his career for criticizing official decisions—the situation is especially delicate.
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