UEFA has clarified its stance on the debated handball incident that occurred during Arsenal’s Champions League match against Real Madrid.
On Tuesday night, the Gunners hosted reigning European champions Madrid at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their quarter-final tie. ..Continue Reading
In the opening half, Arsenal appealed for a penalty after Declan Rice’s shot struck the arm of Madrid defender Raul Asencio.
Following a review by VAR, Bastian Dankert, the video assistant, upheld the on-field decision and instructed the referee to continue the game without awarding a penalty.
Commenting on Amazon Prime’s broadcast, former referee Mark Clattenburg explained why the penalty was not awarded, noting that UEFA’s handball rules differ from those applied in the Premier League.
He said: “I’d be amazed if that’s given. The distance is very, very short. He isn’t putting his arm out to make himself bigger.
“What we have to remember is UEFA has a different criteria to the Premier League with handball. They are more strict on their punishment on the handball.”
Clattenburg added: “Given that the hand is out-stretched, UEFA would try and give a penalty. But I don’t agree that this is a penalty kick.”
Speaking on commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live, former England player Matt Upson agreed with the officials.
He said: “That is ridiculous. The cross from Gabriel Martinelli comes in, Declan Rice gets there first and Raul Asencio is a yard away and yes it hits his hand but it is not a penalty.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer said to Amazon Prime: “I would be amazed if that is given. His arm is down, it’s not a penalty for me.”
In the second half, the Gunners took the lead through a stunning free kick from Declan Rice.
