(Credit: TNT Sports)

Aasif Rahman

Thu 13 March 2025 12:33, UK

Arsenal fans expressed their frustrations with Mikel Arteta after a controversial incident involving Declan Rice in their latest Champions League clash.

Arsenal booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-2 draw against PSV, securing a dominant 9-3 aggregate victory over both legs.

Oleksandr Zinchenko and Rice were the scorers for the Gunners, as they comfortably advanced to the final eight.

However, Rice directed a humorous message to the ‘celebration police’ following his muted goal celebration on Wednesday, in response to criticism after he scored against Man United.

Despite progressing, many supporters were left frustrated with Arteta after an incident involving their £105 million midfielder, which they fear could have serious repercussions for their upcoming quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.

Declan Rice faces suspension risk for Real Madrid clash after yellow card

After Arsenal’s dominant 7-1 victory in the first leg, many expected a rotated side to face the Dutch team. For the most part, that was true, but Rice started the match and subsequently picked up a yellow card in the 63rd minute.

This means he must avoid a booking in the first leg against Real Madrid, or he will be suspended for the return fixture.

Rice has faced criticism from Arsenal fans for his performances this season, as he, like many of his teammates, has not quite matched the form he displayed last year.

Starting him in a game already secured with a six-goal advantage demonstrates his importance to the team, but it could now come back to haunt Arteta if the midfielder picks up another yellow card in the next match.

Arsenal fans show frustration with Mikel Arteta over Declan Rice decision

Mick Brown, the former Man United and Blackburn chief scout, exclusively told Football Insider that Arteta has been frustrated with the performances of his Arsenal side in the second half of the season.

With injuries to key players such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz, the team’s momentum has been disrupted.

The last thing Arteta needs is another key player, like Rice, being suspended, but fans have criticised the coach for starting him in a game that was already well in hand.

One fan labelled it a “ridiculous management decision” while another stated, “Arteta has managed this leg horribly.”