UEFA release statement on Julián Alvarez’s disallowed penalty vs Real Madrid

European football’s governing body, UEFA, have on Thursday released a statement regarding the controversy in last night’s Champions League meeting between Atlético and Real Madrid.

The latest edition of the Madrid Derby of course played out at the Metropolitano late on Wednesday evening.

When all was said and done, it was Champions League holders Real who advanced to the competition’s quarter-finals, owing to a penalty shootout triumph.

As much, however, came amid controversial circumstances.

In the thick of the shootout, after Julián Alvarez had slotted into the roof of the net, a VAR check was kicked into gear.

From here, it was concluded that the Atlético frontman had touched the ball with both feet whilst striking, with his penalty therefore ruled out.

This opened the door for Real Madrid to take advantage, to the tune of a 4-2 victory from 12 yards.

Debate has since been rampant regarding the penalty decision, with some adamant that the correct call was made, whilst others argue the exact opposite.

UEFA, in turn, have on Thursday felt it necessary to release an official statement on the matter.

As relaid by journalist Fabrizio Romano:

‘Atlético de Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julián Alvarez at the end of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid. Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it, as shown in the attached video clip. Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR had to call the referee signalling that the goal should be disallowed. UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases where a double touch is clearly unintentional.’

Conor Laird – GSFN