Declan Rice dangers Champions League ban as UEFA to probe referee blast after Atletico draw
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice could be punished by UEFA after claiming fans had convinced the referee to reverse his original decision on a penalty during the draw with Atletico Madrid
Declan Rice may be in hot water which would be terrible news for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
UEFA are poised to examine Declan Rice’s remarks following Arsenal’s stalemate with Atletico Madrid – and could slap him with a suspension.
The England midfielder voiced his frustration after the Gunners’ contentious 1-1 deadlock in Madrid. Official Danny Makkelie awarded three spot-kicks during the encounter. Mikel Arteta’s side were granted a penalty for David Hancko’s challenge on Viktor Gyokeres, while Atleti were also given their own for Ben White’s handball.
The away side believed they had earned a second after Eberechi Eze was brought down but the referee overturned his initial decision following 13 video reviews. Speaking afterwards, Rice alleged that home fans had swayed the official into reversing his original verdict, reports the Mirror.
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He said: “UEFA (Champions League) is totally different, I think. In both boxes you have to be so careful because they give absolutely everything.
“The second one, Ebs’ one, it’s 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. But it doesn’t matter, we move on to next week and we want to beat them at home.”
Those remarks could potentially return to haunt him. According to The Times, UEFA will scrutinise the referee’s report before deciding whether Rice’s outburst challenged the official’s integrity.
It’s yet to be determined how long this process might take, but a ban hasn’t been dismissed. Rice was previously suspended for two matches during his stint with West Ham after he accused a referee of corruption, a process that took approximately five weeks.
Rice went on to share his views on the contentious decisions that Arsenal faced in Madrid, including White’s alleged handball.
He added: “I’ve not seen it back yet. At first glance I thought that maybe if it’s in the Premier League it doesn’t get given because it’s so low to the ground.”
“The ball’s not going on target. But then UEFA [matches] are totally different rules… hands away from the body. I think with UEFA they give it but Premier League, I’m not so sure.”
He added: “It’s just the way it’s operated, I think. I feel like they penalise you more in European competitions.
“I’ve felt that since I played in the Champions League three years ago. Referees are really quick to make decisions, to blow their whistle. You can’t do much about it. You’ve just got to watch out and be careful.”
The Gunners face Fulham in the Premier League this weekend before the second leg against Atletico at the Emirates Stadium.
