UEFA is prepared to investigate Declan Rice’s comments after Arsenal’s draw with Atletico Madrid, and could potentially hand him a suspension. The England midfielder expressed his frustration after the Gunners’ semi-final first leg in Madrid ended in a 1-1 draw. Referee Danny McCarey pointed to the spot three times during the match.
Arsenal were given a penalty for David Hanko’s foul on Victor Gokeres, while Atleti were also given a penalty for Ben White’s handball. The visiting team believed they had secured a second goal after Eberechi Eze was fouled, but the referee reversed his decision after watching 13 replays. In his post-game remarks, Rice claimed that home supporters persuaded officials to overturn the initial call.
He said: “I think UEFA (Champions League) is completely different. We have to be very careful because in both boxes we give absolutely everything.”
“The second one, that one by Ebbs, was a clear penalty. I don’t know why it wasn’t given. I think the fans provoked the decision and changed the referee’s mind. But it doesn’t matter. We go on to next week and want to beat them at home.”
Those comments may come back to haunt him. The newspaper said UEFA will review the referee’s report before determining whether Rice’s outbursts called into question the referee’s integrity.
A ban has not been ruled out, but it remains to be seen how long that process will take. Rice was suspended for two games during his time at West Ham after accusing referees of corruption, but the process took around five weeks.
Rice continued to comment on controversial decisions against Arsenal in the Spanish capital, including Whyte’s alleged handball. He added: “I haven’t looked at it yet. At first glance, I thought that if it was in the Premier League, they wouldn’t give it to me because it’s in such a low position.”
“The ball didn’t hit the target. But in UEFA, the rules are completely different. You keep your hands off your body. I think it’s allowed in UEFA, but I don’t think so in the Premier League.”
“I think it’s just the way it’s run. I feel like there are more penalties in European competitions.
“I felt that way since I played in the Champions League three years ago. The referee makes decisions really quickly and blows the whistle. There’s nothing you can do about it. You just have to be careful and be careful.”
The Gunners face Fulham in the Premier League this weekend, before taking on Atletico in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
