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Arsenal were denied a late penalty in controversial circumstances in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid
09:39, 01 May 2026Updated 09:44, 01 May 2026
Declan Rice before an Arsenal game
Arsenal star Declan Rice could be sanctioned by UEFA(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about a potential ban for Arsenal star Declan Rice...
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice faces potential UEFA disciplinary action following comments about referee Danny Makkelie after the 1-1 Champions League semi-final draw with Atletico Madrid.
The Gunners were held to a frustrating draw at the Metropolitano Stadium, with Viktor Gyokeres opening the scoring from the penalty spot before Julian Alvarez equalised for Atletico. A win in Tuesday's second leg at the Emirates will see Mikel Arteta's side progress to the final in Budapest.
Arsenal's anger centres on a late VAR decision that overturned a penalty awarded for a foul on Eberechi Eze by David Hancko. Rice criticised the reversal, telling The Sun: "Ebs' one is a clear penalty. I think that the fans provoked the decision and changed the ref's mind."
UEFA are now awaiting Makkelie's official match report before deciding whether to take action against Rice for questioning the referee's integrity. If sanctioned, the midfielder could face a ban that would rule him out of the crucial second leg.
John Cross from the Mirror notes that while Rice's comments "could imply bias under Premier League rules, it would be most unusual for UEFA to step in." The controversy also extends to Diego Simeone's touchline behaviour during the VAR review.
The incident has added extra tension ahead of Tuesday's decisive second leg, with Arsenal needing just a win to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
READ THE FULL STORY : Declan Rice and Arsenal sweating over potential ban as UEFA verdict on referee blast to come
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