Declan Rice has backed up Mikel Artetas furious reaction to the overturned penalty that denied Arsenal a victory in their Champions League semi-final first leg, insisting the spot-kick was clear and accusing the hostile Atletico Madrid crowd of influencing referee Danny Makkelies decision.Arsenal drew 1-1 at the Metropolitano on Tuesday night in a result that keeps the tie firmly in the balance ahead of next weeks second leg at the Emirates. Viktor Gyokeres gave the Gunners the lead on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot after being bundled over by David Hancko. Julian Alvarez levelled from 12 yards in the second half after Ben White was adjudged to have handled Marcos Llorentes volley.The controversy came with 13 minutes remaining when Eberechi Eze was tripped inside the area and Makkelie pointed to the spot only to watch the incident back 13 times under the noise of 70,000 whistling Atletico fans and Diego Simeones theatrical protests before reversing his own decision.Arteta was incandescent at full time. Rice, speaking to Stan Sport, was equally as furious.Its a clear penalty. And I dont know how thats not been given. I think the fans provoked the decision and changed the refs mind.At first glance I thought if thats in the Premier League it doesnt get given because its so low to the ground. The balls not going on target. In the Champions League, referees are really quick to make decisions, and to blow their whistle, and you cant do much about it. I feel like they penalise you more in European competitions. But it doesnt matter. We move on to next week and we want to beat them.Saka calls on Emirates to deliverBukayo Saka, who returned from his Achilles injury as a second-half substitute, turned his attention immediately to the second leg, challenging the Arsenal supporters to create an atmosphere to match and surpass what the Metropolitano delivered on Tuesday.We have mixed feelings because we would have liked to have come away with a win. But we will take the draw, its halftime, and were full of confidence going back to the Emirates. Im sure its going to be above and beyond what we saw tonight with the atmosphere, and that will definitely give us a boost.Before Atletico return to North London on Tuesday, Arsenal face Fulham at the Emirates in the Premier League on Saturday. Victory would extend their lead over Manchester City from three to six points, with City holding two games in hand. Pep Guardiolas side travel to Evertons Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday. Topics Arsenal F.C. Declan Rice Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read FPL: Make sure to dump injured Spurs duo ahead of gameweek 35 Jon Fisher 30th April, 2026 FPL: Time to pick Cherries as Gameweek 35 opens the final chapter of the season Blake Hurst 30th April, 2026 Premier League Predictions: Arsenal and City to stay neck and neck, Tottenham lurch towards the trap door Nicholas McGee 30th April, 2026 Arteta very upset by overturned penalty after Arsenal held by Atletico Nicholas McGee 29th April, 2026 Atletico Madrid 1-1 Arsenal: Report, result and goals as Alvarez pegs back Gunners Nicholas McGee 29th April, 2026 Atletico Madrid v Arsenal: Gyokeres gives Gunners lead as Hancko pays the penalty Nicholas McGee 29th April, 2026
