Champions Derby: The Controversy Persists
The Madrid derby in the Champions League left a bitter taste for Atlético fans after falling in the penalty shootout. However, the refereeing controversy has captured attention, especially the annulment of Julián Álvarez’s penalty goal.
The decision to disallow the goal, due to an alleged double touch of the ball after the forward slipped, unleashed a wave of criticism and debate on social networks and among experts.
Rule 14 states that the kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until another player has touched it, but television replays failed to dispel doubts. Former referee Mateu Lahoz joined the critical voices, questioning the referee Szymon Marciniak’s decision not to review the play on the VAR monitor.
Lahoz advocated for greater transparency and for the main referee to make the final decision after evaluating the images for himself. ‘I understand that when they make such a quick decision, they have a very obvious take.
And that’s what I’ve always missed, that there is transparency, that we can all see it through the eyes of the main referee and in front of the monitor,’ Lahoz declared, emphasizing the importance of the referee assuming responsibility for his decision. The controversy continues to generate debate among fans and experts, leaving a shadow of doubt over the match.
