The Euro 2024 quarter-final between Spain and Germany ended in a 2-1 victory for La Roja after extra time, but not without controversy.
One of the match’s most contentious moments occurred during the additional 30-minute period when the referee, Anthony Taylor, decided not to award a penalty to the host nation, Spain.
The incident involved Marc Cucurella, who appeared to block a shot from Jamal Musiala with his arm.
However, Taylor, supported by VAR, chose not to grant a penalty. This decision ignited fury within the German camp.
According to UEFA guidelines, detailed by ESPN’s Dale Johnson, Taylor’s decision adhered to the rules. Specifically, if a player’s arm is close to their body, pointing predominantly down or vertically, or positioned behind the line of the body when the ball makes contact, it is not considered an offense.
Taylor applied these criteria in the case involving Cucurella, which justified the non-award of the penalty.
Despite this clarification, the German team and their supporters remain dissatisfied with the ruling. Nonetheless, the decision is unlikely to be revisited as Spain shifts focus to their upcoming semi-final clash against France on Tuesday evening in Munich.
While the German side grapples with the controversial decision, Spain looks ahead, leaving the incident behind as they prepare for their crucial match.
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