Arsenal Champions League yellow card rules for semi-final explained amid four suspension risks

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Thomas Partey receives a booking in Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid

Thomas Partey receives a booking in Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal will be without Thomas Partey in the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final versus PSG after he received his third caution of the competition on Wednesday evening.

Partey was shown a yellow card during the second half following a confrontation with Antonio Rudiger. Upon receiving the caution from the French official, Declan Rice reacted with frustration, pulling his teammate away while shouting at him over his lack of self-control.

Heading into the match, Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Gabriel Martinelli were all one caution away from suspension, fully aware that another yellow would see them miss the first semi-final encounter. Rice clearly understood the disciplinary rules under the revised Champions League format. *football.london* has broken down the regulations in more detail.

**What are the Champions League yellow card rules?**

All yellow cards picked up in the Champions League are wiped clean after the quarter-final stage. Unfortunately for Partey, his booking still contributes to his total, meaning he will be unavailable for the first leg against PSG later this month.

In contrast, Rice—who received a yellow card for a foul on Kylian Mbappe in the box before VAR overturned the call and cancelled the card—is now no longer at risk of missing out. His record has been cleared ahead of the semi-final.

**What happens if a player receives yellow cards in both semi-final legs?**

A player who gets booked in each semi-final leg will not be suspended for the final, should their team progress. The only way a player can be ruled out of the final is if they are shown a straight red or dismissed for a second yellow in the same match.

**Who will fill in for Partey?**

Arsenal will need to promptly determine who will step in for Partey in the semi-final opener. One option is shifting Oleksandr Zinchenko into midfield for the tie.

Another possibility is deploying Mikel Merino in his usual role, with Leandro Trossard taking up a false nine position.

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