Actual Madrid’s conquer Atletico Madrid within the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday was stuffed with twists and turns, however maybe none had been as dramatic as Julian Alvarez’s invalidated penalty kick. Alvarez was second in Atletico’s procession because the match superior to penalty kicks, with the combination rating tied at 2-2 after 120 minutes on the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday. His strike went into the again of the web, seemingly leveling the penalty kick rating at 2-2 whereas Federico Valverde obtained able to take Actual Madrid’s subsequent spot kick. Earlier than he took it, although, the referee indicated that Alvarez’s penalty was underneath assessment however didn’t pause the shootout, so Valverde took his penalty and scored. As soon as his strike was tallied, the refereeing crew confirmed that Alvarez’s kick was invalid and so the rating was 3-1 in Actual Madrid’s favor.
Although it was a mistake that was exhausting to catch at first, the refereeing crew dominated that Alvarez obtained two touches on the ball earlier than changing his spot kick, which invalidated the trouble altogether. All penalty kicks are reviewed by VAR, however CBS Sports activities guidelines analyst Christina Unkel outlined the method and sources referees have accessible at their disposal as of late because the UEFA Champions League Right this moment crew reviewed the decision.
“The VAR additionally has the semi-automated offside expertise the place they can see at that kick level and have that further expertise to say when there’s a contact on that ball,” Unkel mentioned. “Each time we’ve a strike right here, we’ve that capability for that. There’s not a chip within the ball, which is what we noticed on the World Cup, however that further layer of expertise offers that further sequencing so from a VAR perspective, they’re looking at not simply the video, however in addition to the contact level. Semi-automated [offside] has about 26 totally different cameras taking a look at limb-tracking expertise, in addition to the digicam that is on the ball in and of itself, which provides that VAR the flexibility to be extra concise and direct and know when that ball was touched exterior from the bare eye.”
What is the rule?
Legislation 14.1 of the Worldwide Soccer Affiliation Board, the penalty kick, states that “the ball is in play when it’s kicked and clearly strikes.” It goes on to state that the kicker should not play the ball once more till it has touched one other participant.
If this occurs in regulation, the group defending the penalty receives a free kick for the double contact.
However as rule 10.3 states, “if the kicker is penalized for an offense dedicated after the referee has signaled for the kick to be taken, that kick is recorded as missed and the kicker is cautioned.”
Did UEFA say something?
Sure. The European governing physique of the game mentioned they will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB concerning the rule and its implementation in such conditions. Here is the assertion:
“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 on the finish of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match towards Actual Madrid.
Though minimal, the participant made contact with the ball utilizing his standing foot earlier than kicking it, as proven within the connected video clip. Beneath the present rule (Legal guidelines of the Recreation, Legislation 14.1), the VAR needed to name the referee signalling that the aim needs to be disallowed.
UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to find out whether or not the rule needs to be reviewed in circumstances the place a double contact is clearly unintentional.”
Did it work as deliberate?
Although the refereeing crew was not precisely clear when speaking the assessment course of with the viewers within the stadium and watching remotely, it was clear the officers had been in touch with one another.
“VAR will then are available in onto the referee,” Unkel mentioned. “The referee’s at all times listening to the VAR and ready for VAR to say, ‘Examine full,’ earlier than they proceed with the following kick so naturally after they say, ‘We’re checking, we’re checking,’ the referee holds play on this so at this level, VAR is just not solely trying on the video however can also be seeking to see that sequencing with the semi-automated offside expertise to present that affirmation.”
It’s unclear if UEFA will share further info contemplating the high-profile nature of the sport, although Unkel deemed there was nothing incorrect concerning the choice made by the referring group.
Actual Madrid will face Arsenal within the quarterfinals when Champions League play returns in early April. You’ll be able to watch all of the UCL motion on Paramount+
