There were countless talking points during Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid.
From controversial penalty decisions to debates surrounding players walking over club crests, almost every aspect of the clash between Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone sparked discussion.
The atmosphere at the Metropolitano Stadium during the first leg was also one of the biggest talking points.
UEFA largely ignored most of the controversies surrounding the match itself, but European football’s governing body did take issue with one bizarre incident before kick-off in Madrid.
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UEFA punish Atletico Madrid for throwing toilet roll on the pitch before Arsenal clash
Atletico Madrid supporters created a hostile atmosphere long before the game even started.
Moments before kick-off at the Metropolitano, large amounts of toilet paper were thrown onto the pitch from the stands.
The unusual display was organised by Atletico ultras attempting to intimidate Arsenal and generate an even more hostile environment.
The idea is believed to have originated from Argentine football culture, which has heavily influenced Atletico Madrid over the years.
That connection is unsurprising considering Simeone’s influence at the club and the presence of several Argentine figures, including Julian Alvarez.
However, The Sun reveal that UEFA viewed the incident as a breach of regulations regarding the throwing of objects onto the field of play.
As a result, Atletico Madrid have now been fined €15,000 by European football’s governing body.
It may seem like a strange punishment considering what was actually thrown, but UEFA’s rules are extremely strict when it comes to objects entering the pitch area.
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UEFA decide not to punish Declan Rice after Atletico Madrid controversy
While Atletico Madrid received a punishment, Declan Rice escaped any disciplinary action from UEFA.
The Arsenal midfielder had caused controversy after suggesting the atmosphere inside the stadium may have influenced a major refereeing decision.
Referee Danny Makkelie originally awarded Arsenal a late penalty for a foul on Eberechi Eze before overturning the decision following a lengthy VAR review.
After the game, Rice implied the reaction from Atletico supporters may have played a role in changing the referee’s mind.
The Arsenal midfielder said: “I don’t know how that’s not been given. I think that the fans provoked the decision and changed the ref’s mind.”
Despite those comments attracting attention, UEFA have decided not to take any action against Rice.
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