UEFA investigate Declan Rice over Champions League referee comments
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice faces a potential UEFA suspension after claiming referee Danny Makkelie was influenced by the home crowd during a controversial Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
The European governing body is currently reviewing post-match remarks made by the England international following a tense 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital.
Frustration boiled over for the Gunners when the Dutch official overturned his initial decision to award a penalty for a challenge on Eberechi Eze.
After consulting the pitchside monitor 13 times, Makkelie reversed his on-field verdict.
Frustration over penalty reversal
The 25-year-old suggested the hostile atmosphere inside the stadium played a decisive role in the match official changing his mind.
“It’s a clear penalty. And I don’t know how that’s not been given.”
“I think the fans provoked the decision and changed the ref’s mind. UEFA is totally different. In both boxes, you have to be so careful because they give absolutely everything.”
These post-match accusations have triggered an official investigation that could rule the midfield anchor out of the crucial second leg at Emirates Stadium.
Previous disciplinary record
Any potential punishment may be exacerbated by the player’s prior disciplinary record in continental competition.
Following a Europa League semi-final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, he received a two-match ban for accusing referee Jesus Gil Manzano of corruption.
During that incident, widespread social media footage captured the former West Ham captain shouting at the match official in the tunnel.
Should UEFA deem him a repeat offender following this latest outburst, Arsenal could be stripped of a vital asset for Tuesday’s return fixture.
Precedent for European bans
History indicates that European football’s governing body takes a remarkably strict stance on players questioning the integrity of match officials.
Paris St-Germain forward Neymar was handed a three-match suspension in 2019 after branding VAR officials a “disgrace” following a defeat to Manchester United.
Similarly, Serge Aurier received a three-game ban in 2015 for directing an insulting video towards a referee following a Champions League tie against Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta’s side must now anxiously await a ruling from UEFA’s disciplinary committee ahead of their decisive London clash.