UEFA has upheld the decision to disallow Julian Alvarez’s penalty in Atletico Madrid’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, stating the call was correct under current rules. However, European football’s governing body will discuss potential changes to the rule.
Atletico questioned UEFA after Alvarez’s shootout penalty was ruled out, a moment that saw Real Madrid advance to the quarter-finals. The Argentine striker slipped, and VAR confirmed that his left foot made slight contact with the ball before his right foot struck it. Since only one touch is allowed, the penalty, which would have leveled the shootout at 2-2, was disallowed.
“Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it,” UEFA stated. “Under the current law (Rules of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR had to call the referee, signaling that the goal should be disallowed.” UEFA also confirmed discussions with FIFA and IFAB on whether to revise the rule in cases of unintentional double touches.
Atletico did not immediately respond to UEFA’s statement, but coach Diego Simeone expressed frustration with Polish referee Szymon Marciniak’s decision. “I’ve never seen the VAR called to review a penalty in a shootout,” Simeone said post-match. “Did you see him touching the ball twice? If anyone saw the ball move twice, raise your hand!”
Atletico fans took to social media, calling the decision biased. “It’s so clear they want Madrid to go through,” one fan posted on X. Another called it a “historic robbery.” Some argued Alvarez should have been allowed a retake, with one post stating, “Canceling a penalty over a possible double touch is anti-football.”
Source: Swifteradio.com
