Arsenal handed huge reprieve as Uefa release statement on why Real Madrid penalty was rescinded

DECLAN RICE escaped a controversial yellow card as Real Madrid saw a penalty chalked off following a five-minute VAR check. And that means he will still be available for a potential semi-final with PSG. APReferee Francois Letexier showed Declan Rice a yellow card – but rescinded it[/caption] APRice was initially penalised for pulling down Kylian Mbappe in the area[/caption] Rice, 26, was the Gunners’ hero in the first leg with his two wonderful free-kicks. But he was penalised midway through the first half of the second leg at the Bernabeu when he gave a penalty away. Rice briefly held on to Kylian Mbappe at the back post – with the French striker hurling himself to the ground. Referee Francois Letexier immediately pointed to the spot and brandished a yellow card to the English midfielder, who was utterly baffled by the decision. However, after a lengthy stoppage to check both whether it was offside and if it was a foul, the ref was sent over to the pitchside monitor. And Letexier decided no foul had been committed – chalking off both the penalty and the yellow card. Uefa then confirmed the call with a brief statement. They said: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.” That proved a major reprieve for Rice, who went into the clash in Madrid knowing a yellow card would see him suspended for the first leg against PSG should Arsenal progress. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. TNT SportsMbappe went down under little contact[/caption] TNT SportsRice protested his innocence as he pointed an accusatory finger[/caption]

Apr 16, 2025 - 20:49
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Arsenal handed huge reprieve as Uefa release statement on why Real Madrid penalty was rescinded

DECLAN RICE escaped a controversial yellow card as Real Madrid saw a penalty chalked off following a five-minute VAR check.

And that means he will still be available for a potential semi-final with PSG.

Referee showing Declan Rice a yellow card.
AP
Referee Francois Letexier showed Declan Rice a yellow card – but rescinded it[/caption]
Declan Rice of Arsenal tackling Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid during a Champions League match.
AP
Rice was initially penalised for pulling down Kylian Mbappe in the area[/caption]

Rice, 26, was the Gunners’ hero in the first leg with his two wonderful free-kicks.

But he was penalised midway through the first half of the second leg at the Bernabeu when he gave a penalty away.

Rice briefly held on to Kylian Mbappe at the back post – with the French striker hurling himself to the ground.

Referee Francois Letexier immediately pointed to the spot and brandished a yellow card to the English midfielder, who was utterly baffled by the decision.

However, after a lengthy stoppage to check both whether it was offside and if it was a foul, the ref was sent over to the pitchside monitor.

And Letexier decided no foul had been committed – chalking off both the penalty and the yellow card.

Uefa then confirmed the call with a brief statement.

They said: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.”

That proved a major reprieve for Rice, who went into the clash in Madrid knowing a yellow card would see him suspended for the first leg against PSG should Arsenal progress.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

Soccer game in progress near the goal.
TNT Sports
Mbappe went down under little contact[/caption]
Soccer player arguing with another player.
TNT Sports
Rice protested his innocence as he pointed an accusatory finger[/caption]