Barcelona fury over ‘clear penalty’ as referee waves away bizarre handball at Camp Nou

With Atlético leading 0-1 early in the second half of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona, a flashpoint came in the 54th minute following what should have been a routine goal kick. Goalkeeper Juan Musso played the ball short to defender Marc Pubill inside the six-yard box. However, in a moment of confusion, Pubill bent down and picked the ball up with his hand, seemingly attempting to reset the play.

Barcelona players immediately appealed for a penalty, arguing that the ball was already in play. The referee, though, waved away the protests, ruling that the goal kick had not been properly taken and therefore no infringement had occurred.

Outrage after penalty waved away for Barcelona

The decision sparked outrage among pundits. Former referee Iturralde González did not hold back in his assessment: “This is a huge technical error. It’s a clear penalty. And then people talk about Spanish referees… this is a scandal. It’s one of the biggest technical mistakes we’ve seen in a long time.”

According to the Laws of the Game, the ball is in play from a goal kick once it has been kicked and clearly moves. That appeared to be the case, with Musso’s pass reaching Pubill before the defender handled it. Under that interpretation, the action would constitute a handball offense inside the penalty area.

Despite the controversy, no foul was given and play continued, leaving Barcelona incensed at what they felt was a missed opportunity to level the match in a decisive European tie.

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