UEFA are investigating Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after he criticised referee Danny Makkelie following the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid. The England international could face a Champions League ban if found to have questioned the official's integrity.
Rice claimed the referee changed his decision on a penalty appeal for Eberechi Eze after watching 13 replays, suggesting home fans influenced the call. 'The fans provoked the decision and changed the ref's mind,' Rice said. UEFA will review the referee's report before deciding on disciplinary action.
This is not Rice's first brush with controversy. During his time at West Ham, he was banned for two games after accusing a referee of corruption. That process took around five weeks.
Rice also commented on Ben White's handball that led to Atletico's penalty, noting differences between Premier League and UEFA officiating. 'In the Premier League it doesn't get given because it's so low to the ground,' he said. 'But with UEFA they give it.'
Arsenal face Fulham in the Premier League this weekend before the second leg against Atletico at the Emirates Stadium.
