UEFA Explain Why Real Madrid’s Penalty Against Arsenal Was Overturned

Arsenal fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief Declan Rice will be available for a possible Champions League semi-final after a dramatic VAR decision saved him from suspension during their clash with Real Madrid.

During the tense second-leg quarter-final at the Bernabeu Rice was at the center of a controversial moment midway through the first half. The midfielder appeared to lightly hold Kylian Mbappe at the back post which led the French star to dramatically fall to the ground.

Referee Francois Letexier didn’t hesitate he pointed straight to the penalty spot and showed Rice a yellow card, leaving the Arsenal man stunned and confused.

But that wasn’t the end of the story.

VAR took a long five-minute look at the situation, reviewing both the potential offside and whether the contact was enough to be considered a foul. Letexier was then told to check the pitchside monitor himself.

After watching the replays, the referee changed his mind. He ruled that no foul had been committed by Rice, cancelled the penalty for Real Madrid, and even took back the yellow card.

UEFA later supported the decision with a short statement:
“The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.”

This was a massive break for Arsenal. If the yellow card had stood and the Gunners made it past Real Madrid, Rice would have been banned for the first leg of the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Rice, who had been a key player in the first leg with two stunning free-kick goals, is now cleared and ready to help Arsenal keep chasing European glory.

With emotions rising and key choices shaping the Champions League adventure, Arsenal will be relieved to have one of their most essential players available going forward.