Arsenal are considering filing an official UEFA complaint against Atletico Madrid following their controversial Champions League semi-final first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium
19:08, 30 Apr 2026
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, speaks to the media in a post match press conference after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at Metropolitano Stadium on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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Arsenal are considering launching an official complaint against Atletico Madrid(Image: David Ramos - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
Arsenal could report Atletico Madrid to UEFA following their controversial encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium.
The Gunners deployed personnel in Madrid who were captured on television before kick-off measuring the grass length. They haven't actually lodged an official complaint but likely possess sufficient evidence to submit written documentation to UEFA if they decide to proceed.
UEFA regulations stipulate the maximum grass length must not exceed 30mm and, despite suggestions it was actually too short, Arsenal clearly disagreed. Arsenal personnel were spotted arguing with UEFA officials before the match and were protesting the grass was too long and beyond the permitted limit.
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta before the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta's side were unhappy with the length of the grass(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Barcelona claimed the grass was excessively long during their quarter-final as they accused Atletico of attempting to disrupt the game's tempo. Tottenham alleged the pitch was watered too heavily before their last-16 encounter and they activated the sprinklers before kick-off - but Arsenal thwarted their tactics by switching ends after the coin toss.
Atletico subsequently watered the pitch at half-time, drenching the end Arsenal were defending with considerably more water than the opposite side. Strict UEFA regulations exist regarding pitch conditions which state "the home club must make every reasonable effort to ensure that the pitch is in the best possible condition" and they undergo rigorous pre-match inspections.
UEFA's Article 34 also states: "The home club must respect the pitch-cutting guidelines for natural grass pitches. The height of the grass must not exceed 30mm and the entire playing surface must be cut to the same height.
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta & his players applaud the fans at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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Arsenal were frustrated by Atletico's approach(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)
"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.
"The pitch-watering schedule must be communicated by the home club at the organisational meeting. The pitch must be watered evenly and not only in certain areas.
"As a general rule, pitch watering must finish 60 minutes before kick-off. However, upon the decision of the home club, pitch watering may also take place after that time: between 10 and 5 minutes before kick-off; and/or during half-time, for a maximum of 5 minutes."
UEFA have been collecting evidence and investigating the situation, though it's unclear whether Arsenal will pursue the matter further.
In the meantime, Diego Simeone's behaviour on the sideline while officials examined VAR footage - as referee Danny Makkelie reversed his penalty decision - could potentially see him face disciplinary action.
This would hinge on the fourth official bringing the incident to the referee's attention and subsequently recording it in his match report. UEFA might seek input from the VAR officials following Makkelie's decision to review the screen footage 13 times before altering his original call.
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This is at odds with VAR's usual policy of only intervening in clear errors, but Mikel Arteta's post-match complaints may have made his point ahead of the second leg. Gunners midfielder Declan Rice suggested on TV that the referee might have been swayed by the home crowd and, while this could hint at bias under Premier League rules, it would be highly unusual for UEFA to intervene.