Could Declan Rice face a Champions League suspension after explosive Atletico Madrid comments?

The controversial Champions League night at Atlético Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano continues to spark debate in England.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, British tabloids, and pundits were not the only ones sharply critical of referee Danny Makkelie’s performance, particularly over the penalty initially awarded and then overturned for Eberechi Eze. The incident, which Arteta said “changes the direction of the match and the tie,” has dominated post-match discussion.

Several Arsenal players also weighed in on the decision that could have led to a 2-1 away advantage. The issue now is that their comments may come at a cost.

Rice could face UEFA punishment

According to The Times, “Declan Rice risks being sanctioned by UEFA after stating that Atletico Madrid supporters ‘influenced’ the decision to overturn a penalty awarded to Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal.”

While former players such as Steve McManaman and Martin Keown pointed to Diego Simeone’s behavior during the VAR review, Rice focused his criticism on the atmosphere inside the stadium.

‘Fans influenced the decision’

Speaking to Stan Sport, Rice said:

“UEFA is totally different. In both boxes you have to be so careful because they give absolutely everything. The second one, on Ebs (Eberechi Eze), is 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.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has repeatedly argued that officiating standards in the Champions League differ significantly from the Premier League. Rice, however, went a step further.

For him, the nearly 70,000 supporters inside the Atletico Madrid stadium played a decisive role in referee Danny Makkelie reversing his original on-field penalty call.

The England international also added:

“In the Champions League, referees are very quick to make decisions and blow the whistle, and there is not much you can do about it. I feel like you are penalized more in European competitions.”

UEFA set to review comments

According to The Times, UEFA will review the referee’s report before deciding whether Rice’s remarks call the integrity of match officials into question. It remains unclear how long that process will take or whether it could impact this season’s competition.

For now, Rice is not expected to miss the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday. However, Arsenal and Arteta will be aware that further disciplinary action could jeopardize one of their most important players.

Gyökeres also questions decisions

Rice was not the only Arsenal player to comment after the match. Viktor Gyökeres also addressed the officiating in comments to TNT Sports.

“I didn’t see either of the penalties, so it’s hard to judge, but that’s football. I don’t know why the second penalty wasn’t given, it looks like there was contact, but it’s the referee’s decision.”

Beyond reflecting on Arsenal’s drop in performance during the second half, frustration over the officiating has clearly lingered inside the London club, with growing anger directed at Makkelie’s key decisions.

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