The art is shaking! Why is Declan Rice at risk of being suspended for the return with Atletico
Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Friday, 01 May 2026, 20:30 / Updated Friday, 01 May 2026 20:39
Declan Rice (27), Arsenal's midfielder, risks missing Tuesday's return of the Champions League semi-finals with Atletico (in the round, 1-1). The English international criticized the refereeing for the penalty withdrawn with VAR, which is why UEFA can sanction him.
Arsenal have great emotions for the second leg with Atletico Madrid. On Tuesday, at the “Emirates”, the Premier League leader is in great danger of not being able to count on two starters from the central compartment, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, but the reasons are completely different.
The Norwegian, recently back from injury, had to leave the field in the 58th minute, citing new knee problems. Mikel Arteta replaced him with Eberechi Eze, who was also involved in the most controversial phase of the game at the Metropolitano.
The moment when Hancko steps on the foot of the “gunner” Eze. photo: Getty Images
And that's where Declan Rice's trouble starts. If the Gunners manager could find himself without Odegaard on the return, it would be even worse if the English midfielder was suspended! Not because of any card received on Wednesday, but as a result of the words spoken in anger to the referee.
The Sun writes that Rice couldn't keep his mouth shut and accused Danny Makkelie for the decision to reverse the on-field decision on contact in the Atletico box between David Hancko and Eberechi Eze.
Rice was banned for two games four years ago at West Ham after accusing the referee of taking a bribe!
The Dutchman was called by VAR to review the duel on the monitor and then disallowed the shot from 11 meters, considering that the touch was “soft” and that Eze accentuated the so-called foul.
“So I don't know how this penalty could not be awarded. I think the fans provoked the decision and changed the referee's mind”Rice said.
Declan Rice has 5 goals and 11 assists in 50 games played for Arsenal this season
UEFA chiefs are awaiting Makkelie's report before deciding whether to take disciplinary action. “Rice could be in a difficult situation, however, if he is considered to have questioned the referee's integrity,” the quoted source explains. Manager Mikel Arteta was also “incredibly angry” after the “central” decision.
It's not Rice's first offense: He received a two-game suspension four years agoplaying for West Ham, after lashing out at the referees following their Europa League semi-final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The England midfielder was caught on camera in the tunnel telling referee Jesus Gil Manzano: “You probably got paid.”
