Arsenal midfielder questioned the officials after the Gunners’ controversial Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid and he could potentially face serious consequences
UEFA are set to investigate Declan Rice's comments after Arsenal’s draw with Atletico Madrid - and could hit him with a ban. The England midfielder spoke out after the Gunners’ controversial 1-1 stalemate in Madrid.
Referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot on three occasions during the game. Arsenal won a penalty for David Hancko’s foul on Viktor Gyokeres, with Atleti also handed their own for Ben White’s handball.
The visitors thought they had won a second after Eberechi Eze was fouled but the referee changed his decision after watching 13 replays. Speaking after the game, Rice claimed that home supporters had convinced the official to reverse his original call.
He said: "UEFA (Champions League) is totally different, I think. In both boxes you have to be so careful because they give absolutely everything.
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"The second one, Ebs' one, it's 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. But it doesn't matter, we move on to next week and we want to beat them at home."
Those comments could potentially come back to bite him. According to The Times, UEFA will take a look at the referee’s report before determining whether Rice’s outburst questioned the official’s integrity.
It remains to be seen how long that process would take but a ban has not been ruled out. Rice was previously banned for two games during his time with West Ham after he accused a referee of being corrupt but that process took around five weeks.
Rice continued to give his thoughts on the controversial decisions that met Arsenal in the Spanish capital, including White’s alleged handball. He added: "I've not seen it back yet. At first glance I thought that maybe if it's in the Premier League it doesn't get given because it's so low to the ground.
"The ball's not going on target. But then UEFA (matches) are totally different rules...hands away from the body. I think with UEFA they give it but Premier League, I'm not so sure.
"It's just the way it's operated, I think. I feel like they penalise you more in European competitions.
"I've felt that since I played in the Champions League three years ago. Referees are really quick to make decisions, to blow their whistle. You can't do much about it. You've just got to watch out and be careful."
The Gunners take on Fulham in the Premier League this weekend ahead of the second-leg against Atletico at the Emirates Stadium.