Martin Keown has made his feelings clear on Arsenal's complaint to UEFA after believing that the grass at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano was too long
20:33, 29 Apr 2026Updated 20:50, 29 Apr 2026
Arsenal asked UEFA to have a closer look at Atletico Madrid's pitch
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Arsenal asked UEFA to have a closer look at Atletico Madrid's pitch(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal have been told by club icon Martin Keown they can have no complaints about the state of Atletico Madrid's pitch after asking UEFA to measure the length of the Wanda Metropolitano grass just hours before the match.
The Gunners staff believed Diego Simeone's side had breached pitch-cutting guidelines in the build-up to the Champions League semi-final first leg, but they were later cleared of any wrongdoing.
Reacting to Arsenal's UEFA request, Keown said he thought the pitch was a "little bit long" but doesn't think the Gunners can complain about it. "If you're looking at it at home, it's a lot better than my lawn," he told TNT Sports.
"It's a little bit long, but I don't think you can look at the pitch and complain, I know Spurs done that."
Ex-Liverpool man Steve McMannaman agreed with Keown and said: "It's gorgeous, isn't it? No excuses, it's 11 v 11, the best team will normally see it out. No complaints."
Two hours before kick-off on Wednesday evening, the CBS Sports television cameras captured the moment that Arsenal lodged a complaint about the length of the grass.
Declan Rice of Arsenal is challenged by Ademola Lookman
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Declan Rice in action against Atletico
In Article 34 of the Champions League rulebook, UEFA states: "The height of the grass may not, in principle, exceed 30mm and the entire playing surface must be cut to the same height.
"The height of the grass should be the same for both the training sessions and the match. If deemed necessary by the referee or the UEFA match delegate, the home club may be required to reduce the height of the grass for the match and training sessions."
After an inspection by UEFA, the length of the grass was measured to be 26 millimetres. Barcelona lodged a similar complaint upon their trip to the Metropolitano in the second leg of the quarter-final earlier this month, but, again, UEFA cleared Atletico of any wrongdoing.
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In an official statement to the official broadcaster in the United Kingdom, TNT Sports, a Barcelona spokesperson set the record straight ahead of kick-off. They said: "We have a commitment with UEFA and can confirm that the pitch will be in perfect condition [as agreed at] this morning's meeting.
"To be more precise, it will be cut to 26mm and well watered before kick-off and at half-time."
Despite concerns around the pitch, Arsenal made a bright start to the semi-final at the Metropolitano with the Gunners wasting a couple of early opportunities. Martin Odegaard had an excellent chance, but his shot was blocked before Noni Madueke curled just wide from the edge of the box.
The Gunners eventually broke the deadlock to claim a deserved lead, with Viktor Gyokeres converting from the penalty spot shortly before half-time.
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