Champions League: UEFA releases statement on cancelled Real Madrid penalty against Arsenal

UEFA have issued a statement on Wednesday night, explaining why a Real Madrid penalty in the first half of their quarter-final second leg was chalked off.

Referee François Letexier had awarded Los Blancos a spot-kick, deeming that Declan Rice had fouled Kylian Mbappe in the area.

But after a lengthy VAR check, Letexier was sent to the pitch-side monitor, and he overturned his decision.

In a terse statement, UEFA said: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.”

Letexier had earlier awarded Arsenal a penalty after Mikel Merino was bundled to the ground.

However, Bukayo Saka saw his effort palmed away by Thibaut Courtois.

This means both sides go into the break with the scoreline at 0-0. Arsenal still lead the tie by 3-0.

Declan Rice scored a pair of stunning free kicks at the Emirates last week to stun the current holders.

Champions League: UEFA releases statement on cancelled Real Madrid penalty against Arsenal