S Poddar
UEFA has explained the disqualification of Julian Alvarez’s penalty against Real Madrid as wholly down to VAR intervention, rather than any chip in the ball.
In the Champions League high-stakes shootout at Metropolitano Stadium, Atletico Madrid’s World Cup winner Julian Alvarez took his attempt. Although he slipped, he still scored. But things took a turn for the worse when VAR jumped in and disallowed the goal.
During the review, the referee discovered Alvarez had twice involuntarily contacted the ball. His standing leg touched the ball as his right foot sent it in. That infringement prompted the referee to withdraw the goal from Real Madrid as Fede Valverde became the next player to attempt for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Courtois Thibaut, said he brought the double touch to the notice of the referee. “I noticed Alvarez touched the ball twice and reported it. It’s hard to see, and it’s bad luck for them,” Courtois said. Atletico Madrid’s coach, Diego Simeone, was visibly angry. “I have never seen VAR being used to examine a penalty during a shootout. Did anyone at the stadium see him touch the ball twice? Come forward, raise your hand!” he shouted.
Early replays of the incident were uncertain, fueling Atletico’s anger. Yet, goalcam footage from behind the net was conclusive that Alvarez’s left foot inadvertently nudged the ball while he was sliding.
There were rumors that a chip within the ball allowed the officials to make the call. The technology is used in UEFA and FIFA competitions such as the European Championship and the World Cup. UEFA, however, explained that the Champions League ball does not have this technology, and the call was based on video evidence alone.
The occurrence amplified the drama of a already intense shootout. Real Madrid went on to reach the quarter-finals, leaving Atletico Madrid disappointed and marred in controversy over the disputed decision.
