Declan Rice speaks out and accuses: Arsenal was ROBBED of a CLEAR penalty against Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League!
On a tense and emotional night at the Metropolitano Stadium, Arsenal let slip a crucial victory against Atlético de Madrid, ending in a 1-1 draw that leaves everything open for the second leg next week at the Emirates. However, what resonated most was the controversial decision by referee Danny Makkelie, who overturned a penalty that, according to midfielder Declan Rice, was UNEQUIVOCAL.
Rice did not hesitate to support Mikel Arteta’s fury after the match and took aim at the influence of the Madrid crowd, accusing the 70,000 Atlético fans and the theatrics of coach Diego Simeone of pressuring the referee to reverse his decision. “It was a clear penalty. I don’t understand how it wasn’t given. I think the fans provoked the decision and changed the referee’s mind,” Rice said in statements to Stan Sport.
The incident in question occurred in the 77th minute when Eberechi Eze was brought down inside the penalty area. Makkelie initially pointed to the penalty spot, but after reviewing the incident 13 times, he reversed his decision amid the deafening noise from Atlético fans. A decision that left Arteta furious and Rice outraged, especially because, according to him, such infractions are more strictly penalized in the Premier League. “In the Champions League, referees are quick to decide, but I feel we are penalized more. Regardless, we move on and want to win at the Emirates,” added the England international.
In a highly emotional chapter, Viktor Gyokeres put Arsenal ahead just before halftime thanks to a penalty awarded for a foul committed on him by David Hancko. Atlético responded in the second half, with Julián Álvarez equalizing from the penalty spot after a handball by Ben White during a shot attempt by Marcos Llorente.
Bukayo Saka, who returned from an Achilles tendon injury as a substitute, made a direct appeal to Arsenal fans to turn the Emirates into a cauldron capable of surpassing the hellish atmosphere experienced at the Metropolitano. “We have mixed feelings because we wanted the win, but we take this draw and are confident for the second leg. I’m sure the atmosphere at the Emirates will be above and beyond what we saw here, and that will give us a huge boost,” Saka stated.
Before the decisive clash with Atlético, Arsenal now faces a crucial Premier League match against Fulham at home on Saturday. A victory could extend their lead over Manchester City to six points, at a time when the citizens still have two games in hand. Pep Guardiola and company visit Everton on Sunday, making the title race even more electrifying.
This draw leaves everything open and promises an explosive second leg at the Emirates. Arsenal is determined not to let this historic opportunity in the Champions League slip away, and with the pressure mounting, Mikel Arteta’s team knows they need all the support possible from their fans to overcome Atlético de Madrid. The battle is on!
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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