An online petition has garnered more than 30,000 signatures, calling for a replay of the European Championship quarterfinal match between Spain and Germany. The match, which saw Spain secure a 2-1 victory in extra time, has been marred by controversy due to a contentious handball incident in the 106th minute that continues to spark debate among fans and experts alike.
The Match
Spain took the lead in the 51st minute with a goal from Dani Olmo. Germany managed to equalize in the 89th minute through Florian Wirtz, pushing the match into extra time. In the 119th minute, Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal for Spain, assisted by Olmo, securing Spain’s spot as the first semifinalist of the tournament.
However, the critical moment of the match occurred in the 106th minute when Jamal Musiala’s shot from the edge of the penalty area struck the hand of Spain’s Marc Cucurella. Despite the apparent trajectory of Musiala’s shot being on target and Cucurella’s hand being away from his body, referee Anthony Taylor did not call a handball. VAR referee Attwell reviewed the incident briefly and advised Taylor that the game could continue.
Divided Opinions
The decision has divided opinions among football experts and fans. Bruno Maric, the former head of Croatian referees, labeled it a clear penalty. In contrast, Dale Johnson, ESPN’s football editor and an expert in football rules and refereeing decisions, argued otherwise. Johnson explained on his X account:
“A hand close to the hip positioned towards the ground or behind the body line should not be punishable. Unlike the penalty against Denmark and Joachim Andersen’s handball (the ball wasn’t going towards the goal, ed.), where the hand position is unnatural and creates a barrier. Fans clearly think both decisions are wrong, but according to the rules’ interpretation, they’re not.”
The Aftermath
To make matters worse for Germany, Olmo’s cross in the final moments of extra time led to Merino’s brilliant header, which eliminated Germany from the tournament. Many fans believe the outcome would have been different if Germany had been awarded a penalty for the handball incident.
This belief prompted a fan to start a petition on change.org three days ago, demanding a replay of the match. The petition has since been signed by over 30,000 people, reflecting widespread support for the cause.
The controversy surrounding the Spain-Germany quarterfinal match at the European Championship highlights the intense scrutiny refereeing decisions face in modern football. While the petition for a replay has gained significant traction, it remains to be seen whether UEFA will take any action. As the debate rages on, the incident serves as a reminder of the fine margins that can influence the outcome of high-stakes football matches.
