Declan Rice aims UEFA accusation and shares Arsenal theory behind Atletico VAR controversy

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Declan Rice aims UEFA accusation and shares Arsenal theory behind Atletico VAR controversy

Arsenal's Champions League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid was shrouded in controversy with several VAR calls

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The England international accused the referee Danny Makkelie of being influenced by the home crowd after Eberechi Eze was sent tumbling by David Hancko’s outstretched right leg.

With just ten minutes left on the clock, Makkelie pointed to the spot, before VAR intervened and the referee controversially overturned his decision.

Speaking after the game, Rice accused UEFA officials of referring matches to different standards compared to the Premier League and said: "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."

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It was the second VAR intervention of the night to go against Arsenal after Ben White was adjudged to have handled Marcos Llorente’s volley, which Alvarez dispatched from the spot.

"I’ve not seen it back yet," Rice told Stan Sport in the immediate aftermath of the game. "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."

Rice was pressed on why he felt the rules were different and he 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."

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also fuming about 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 asked if he would speak with UEFA about the incident, Arteta said: "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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