Arsenal lodged a formal complaint with UEFA over the condition of the pitch at the Metropolitano Stadium ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
The concern centred on the state of the playing surface, with Arsenal raising issues before kickoff in Madrid.
Reports indicate that the visiting side were unhappy with both the length of the grass and the level of watering applied to the pitch.
There was a belief within the Arsenal camp that a longer surface would slow the tempo of the game and disrupt their passing rhythm.
Additional worries focused on heavy watering, which was thought to increase the risk of players losing their footing during key moments.
Footage circulating before the match showed discussions taking place between Arsenal representatives and UEFA officials regarding the pitch.
UEFA regulations clearly outline requirements for playing surfaces in European competition.
The rules state that grass length must not exceed 30 millimetres and should be consistent across the entire pitch.
The same standards are expected to apply for both training sessions and matchday conditions.
Guidelines also stipulate that pitch watering must be even and typically conclude 60 minutes before kickoff, although limited additional watering is permitted closer to the start.
UEFA retains the authority to inspect surfaces before and during matches to ensure they meet required standards.
This is not the first time the surface at Atletico’s stadium has come under scrutiny from visiting teams.
Recent matches at the venue have seen multiple incidents of players slipping, raising questions about consistency and maintenance.
Opposition players have previously struggled to maintain footing in key situations, including high-profile fixtures in domestic and European competition.
Comments from players following those games have pointed to the pitch being unusually slick in places.
Atletico figures, however, have maintained that the surface meets all regulatory requirements and has improved over time.
They have also suggested that familiarity with the pitch may play a role in how teams adapt during matches.
Despite the complaint, the game proceeded as scheduled, with UEFA officials satisfied that conditions were within acceptable limits.
The incident highlights the fine margins involved at this stage of the competition, where teams look for any possible advantage.
For Arsenal, the focus quickly shifted to the match itself, but the pre-game complaint underlined their attention to detail ahead of a crucial European fixture.
With the tie still in the balance, both sides will now turn their attention to the second leg, where conditions will be firmly under Arsenal’s control.