Numerous questionable calls have been made this season with the assistance of soccers Video Assistant Referee (VAR), but the choice not to award a penalty to Ukraine in the final moments of its crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy on Tuesday is possibly one of the most controversial. Despite the score remaining 0-0 in the third minute of added time, Italy midfielder Bryan Cristante appeared to trip Mykhailo Mudryk inside the penalty area. However, referee Jesús Gil Manzano, who was just 10 yards away, did not call a foul despite having a clear view of the incident.
Stranger still, it appears as though VAR didnt even review the challenge.
CNN has reached out to European footballs governing body UEFA and the Ukraine football federation for comment.
Following the match, the Ukrainian media understandably expressed frustration as Ukraine's 0-0 draw against Italy meant they would now have to participate in the Euro playoffs in March next year, in order to qualify for Euro 2024.
Outlet UkrFootball called the decision a "scandalous situation."
Speaking to UkrFootball, Ukrainian former FIFA referee Miroslav Stupar said: "It seems that there was no VAR in this game.
Stupar questioned why the VAR referee remained silent during the Mudryk incident. "The head referee clearly saw the episode but was hesitant to take responsibility and award a penalty. Even the VAR did not review the foul," Stupar added. "If the VAR had reviewed it, they would have surely awarded a penalty as there was clear contact. The referee chose not to take a stand."
"If he had opted to review VAR, it could have backfired on him. However, if he chose not to award a penalty, then he ought to have cautioned Mudryk for simulation."
One Ukrainian media outlet called the decision 'scandalous.'
Thilo Schmuelgen/Reuters
TSN referred to it as a "mistaken judgment." Both fans and the international media believed that Ukraine had been unfairly treated, and this sparked widespread discussion on social media.
Football24, another Ukrainian outlet wrote: "For some reason, the referee did not award a penalty, and VAR decided not to correct the referees mistake."
