Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleChris WilsonWednesday 29 April 2026 20:59 BSTThis is not the first time the Estadio Metropolitano pitch has caused controversy (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)Arsenal reportedly requested a pitch inspection at the Estadio Metropolitano before their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.The Gunners' staff expressed concerns that the grass on the pitch was too long, leading them to formally ask UEFA to measure its length.Spanish journalist Guillem Balague reported on the incident, suggesting Arsenal suspected 'dark arts' from Atletico Madrid regarding the pitch conditions.UEFA confirmed the grass length was 26mm, which falls within the regulated range of 21mm to 30mm, and was the same as when Barcelona played there.This is not the first time the Estadio Metropolitano pitch has caused controversy, with Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona previously raising similar concerns about grass length this season.In fullArsenal make bizarre Uefa request ahead of Champions League semi-finalThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in