The controversy surrounding Julián Álvarez’s penalty is not going away anytime soon. The Argentine forward’s penalty in the Champions League round of 16 tie against Real Madrid is now the talk of the football world. Some say the penalty should have been disallowed, while others say the slightest touch should not have been allowed.
The referee’s decision, however, said ‘penalty cancelled’. The result of the game also went in favor of Real Madrid. Discussions are underway between UEFA and Atletico Madrid on the matter. Meanwhile, former star forward Marco van Basten, who won the Ballon d’Or three times, has added fuel to the fire.
The Netherlands and AC Milan star has spoken out on his social media about Alvarez’s penalty. Where he wrote, ‘I am not Real or Athletic, but Julián Alvarez only touched the ball once. It is UEFA’s responsibility to resolve the matter.’
Meanwhile, after Alvarez’s decision, the penalty rules themselves could change. There is ongoing discussion about whether the entire thing will be canceled due to unintentional contact with the ball during a penalty kick.
UEFA said they would discuss the way Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed with FIFA and IFAB. Atletico coach Diego Simeone in particular said ‘the ball did not move from its place.’ This is where the discussion began. Atletico Madrid has even written to UEFA on this issue.
In a statement, UEFA said, ‘Atletico Madrid has contacted UEFA regarding the incident following the disallowance of Julián Alvarez’s penalty shot against Real Madrid in the last match of the UEFA Champions League.’
