Arsenal were on what they perceived to be the wrong end of two VAR decisions in their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night
Declan Rice spoke about the controversial incidents in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has hit out after the Gunners controversially had a late penalty overturned during their Champions League semi-final showdown with Atletico Madrid. The England star accused referee Danny Makkelie of being swayed by the home crowd after Eberechi Eze was brought down by David Hancko’s outstretched right leg.
With just ten minutes remaining on the clock, Makkelie pointed to the spot, before VAR stepped in and the referee sensationally reversed his original decision. Speaking after the final whistle, Rice took aim at UEFA officials for handling matches to a different standard compared to the Premier League, saying: “UEFA (Champions League) is totally different, I think. In both boxes you have to be so careful because they give absolutely everything.
“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.”
It was the second VAR intervention of the evening to go against the visitors, following Ben White being judged to have handled Marcos Llorente’s volley, which Julian Alvarez coolly converted from the spot. “I’ve not seen it back yet,” Rice told Stan Sport straight after the final whistle. “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.
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“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.”
When pushed on why he believed the rules differed, Rice said: “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.”
Ebere Eze thought he won Arsenal a penalty but the decision was overturned(Image: AP)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was equally incensed by the incidents. He said: “In the manner that we conceded the penalty, we were disappointed. In the Premier League, it’s not a penalty, but here I have to accept that this is handball.
“But what I’m incredibly fuming with is how the hell the penalty on Eze gets overturned in the manner that it happened when there is no clear and obvious error? And this changes the course of the game. And at this level, I’m sorry but this cannot happen.
“When a referee has to watch it 13 times, what is clear about that? It’s impossible and we are all fuming about it. We need to apply the rules.
“When you have fought so hard for nine months to be in this position, that goal could have completely changed the course of the tie. And it cannot happen. I’m sorry. We put so much on it. So, so, so much on it. This cannot happen.”
When pressed on whether he would raise the matter with UEFA, Arteta responded: “I think that it’s up to the club to decide the best thing to do. Now they’re not going to give us a penalty. That’s gone. And that’s it. That’s over.”
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