Controversy Trails Alvarez Disallowed Penalty
The Champions League match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid has been marred by controversy after Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed by VAR. The incident occurred during the penalty shootout, after the match had ended 2-2 on aggregate.
The Incident
Alvarez slipped while taking the shot, and his non-kicking foot made contact with the ball before his right foot kicked it. The referee, after reviewing the footage, disallowed the goal, sparking outrage from Atletico Madrid players and fans.
Reaction from Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone questioned the decision, saying “the ball doesn’t move” after Alvarez’s initial touch. The Atletico Madrid players were also visibly upset, with some arguing that the decision was unfair.
Rules Expert Weighs In
A rules expert explained that the VAR decision was correct, as Alvarez’s double touch was evident, even if it was slight. According to the rules, a player cannot touch the ball twice during a penalty shootout.
New Footage Emerges
New footage has emerged, showing a clearer view of the incident. However, opinions remain divided on whether the correct decision was made. Some argue that Alvarez’s second touch was minimal and did not affect the ball’s trajectory, while others believe that the rules are clear and the decision was correct.
Alvarez Speaks Out
Alvarez himself was unsure whether he had touched the ball twice, saying “Puede ser. No lo sé, pero puede ser” (“It could be. I don’t know, but it could be”). The Argentine forward’s comments suggest that even he is unsure about the incident.
Aftermath
The controversy has added to the drama of the Champions League, with Real Madrid advancing to the quarterfinals after winning the shootout 4-2. The decision has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some arguing that the rules need to be clarified to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Alvarez’s disallowed penalty has added a new layer of drama to the Champions League. While opinions remain divided on whether the correct decision was made, one thing is clear – the incident has sparked a heated debate about the rules of the game.
