Arsenal has officially requested a pitch inspection ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. The team’s grounds staff expressed concerns about the length of the grass at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Servicing UEFA Regulations
Reports indicate that Arsenal’s staff engaged in discussions regarding the pitch condition. Spanish journalist Guillem Balague shared that the club formally asked UEFA to measure the grass length. Balague noted, “Arsenal think that it’s too high” while inspecting the field.
Grass Length Controversy
After the inspection, UEFA confirmed that the grass measured 26 millimeters. This is below the 30-millimeter maximum limit, and similar to the pitch condition when Barcelona played there. Concerns about the pitch have arisen before, particularly during Atletico’s matches against other clubs.
Previous Incidents on the Pitch
- During a recent game against Tottenham Hotspur, players slipped frequently, contributing to a 5-2 defeat.
- Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, previously highlighted grass length issues as well.
Fixture Details
The first leg between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid is set for this evening. The return match will occur next week on Tuesday, May 5. The winner will advance to face either PSG or Bayern Munich in the final scheduled for May 30.
