Declan Rice ‘could be banned’ for Arsenal’s Atletico second leg after penalty row | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final with Atletico Madrid sits at 1-1 after the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, and Declan Rice could now miss the return following his post-match remarks about the referee.

According to The Times, UEFA will review the referee’s report. It will decide whether Rice’s comments questioned the integrity of the officials, and if an offence is found he could face sanction, including a possible ban for next week’s second leg if a decision arrives in time.

The same day also brought positive fitness news for Atletico, with Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth said to be in line to return for the Emirates Stadium clash. A third Champions League final in 12 years remains in reach for Diego Simeone’s side.

Arsenal were aggrieved in Madrid when a second-half penalty award was overturned, which would have handed Mikel Arteta’s team the chance to lead 2-1. Rice voiced his displeasure, suggesting the home crowd influenced referee Danny Makkelie, and said an incident involving Eberechi Eze should have resulted in a spot-kick.

Atleti would plainly prefer to face Arsenal without Rice, a key figure for Arteta. The case is at an early stage, and any decision is not expected for at least a few days.

Source: Football Espana