Arsenal are reportedly considering a formal complaint to UEFA over alleged pitch irregularities during their Champions League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium. The tension reached a boiling point before kick-off when Arsenal personnel were spotted on the field measuring the grass height, sparking a heated debate that could now escalate into an official UEFA grievance.
According to UEFA regulations, the grass height must not exceed 30mm, and Arsenal believe the surface at Atletico's home ground exceeded this limit. The Gunners' staff were seen protesting to UEFA officials before the match, arguing that the pitch conditions violated the rules. While no formal complaint has been lodged yet, Arsenal are believed to have gathered documentation to support their case if they decide to proceed.
This isn't the first time Atletico's pitch has come under scrutiny this season. Barcelona raised similar concerns during their quarter-final tie, accusing the Spanish side of using long grass to slow down the tempo of the game. Tottenham Hotspur also complained about excessive watering before their Round of 16 match, with the sprinklers reportedly activated just before kick-off.
Arsenal, however, managed to outmaneuver Atletico's tactics by switching ends after the coin toss. At halftime, the home team responded by heavily watering the end Arsenal were defending, creating a slippery surface that disrupted the Gunners' rhythm. This move has only added fuel to the fire.
UEFA's Article 34 clearly states that "the home club must respect the pitch-cutting guidelines for natural grass pitches," with the grass height set at a maximum of 30mm. The regulations also require the same height for both training sessions and the match. If the referee or UEFA match delegate deems it necessary, the home club may be ordered to reduce the grass height.
With Arsenal's Champions League hopes hanging in the balance, this pitch controversy could add another layer of drama to an already intense rivalry. Whether the Gunners follow through with their complaint remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: every detail matters when the stakes are this high.