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4 months ago
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German penalty appeals were waved away in extra time prior to the hosts suffering a last gasp defeat to Spain in their Euro 2024 quarter-final.
The hosts felt aggrieved when Jamal Musiala's shot from distance struck the hand of Spain defender Marc Cucurella in the first half of extra time.
Cucurella's hand was by his side but blocked Musiala's goalbound effort, immediately sparking appeals from German players.
Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Niclas Fullkrug led the appeals to English referee Anthony Taylor, who waved their claims away.
Taylor's verdict was supported by Stuart Atwell, who was the designated VAR for the match.
Jamal Musiala's long range shot struck the hand of Marc Cucurella in the penalty area
Germany's players immediately appealed to referee Anthony Taylor to award a penalty
Florian Wirtz was among the Germany players to demand an extra time spot kick
According to ESPN editor Dale Johnson, the Premier League officials were correct to wave away the appeals under UEFA's interpretation of handball.
'UEFA's pre-tournament briefing on handballs gave a specific example just like Marc Cucurella, saying it should NOT be a handball penalty,' Johnson posted on X.
'Arm close to the side, pointing predominantly down/vertically, and/or a position behind line of the body.
'It differs from the penalty Joachim Andersen conceded against Germany. UEFA deems that arm position to be unnatural and creating a barrier. Understandable fans would think the two decisions are the wrong way around... But they aren't per intended interpretation.'
Christine Unkel, a rules analyst working for broadcaster ITV, also clarified the decision on social media.
Unkel highlighted that there were three considerations which meant the decision was correct not to award a penalty against Cucurella.
UEFA's pre-tournament briefing on handballs gave a specific example just like Marc Cucurella, saying it should NOT be a handball penalty.
Arm close to the side, pointing predominantly down/vertically, and/or a position behind line of the body. #ESPGER #Euro2024
Taylor had turned down Germany's penalty appeal and was backed by VAR Stuart Atwell
The incident was viewed differently to when Denmark's Joachim Andersen was punished for handball in the last-16
ITV rules analyst Christina Unkel highlighted three considerations behind referees' decisions
'If you're asking for a handball in Euro 2024 against Spain's Cucurella, you're not alone, but the context & application is NOT handling for the following considerations referees apply,' Unkel wrote.
'Arm is considered down, near side body, straight.
'Arm is coming back down, making self smaller as runs into position.
'Most important, arm is behind his body as he steps forward.'
Germany would ultimately crash out of their home tournament to Mikel Merino's 119th minute header.
Merino rose to head in a late cross to earn Spain a 2-1 win in extra time, after Germany's Florian Wirtz had cancelled out Dani Olmo's second half opener.
English (US)