Hand Ball by Giuliano Simeone in the Box in the 19th Minute: Archivo VAR Breaks the Truth

Defender Giuliano Simeone, son of Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone, finds himself embroiled in a major controversy against Real Madrid. The incident occurred in the 19th minute of the Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash at the Civitas Metropolitano. During a heated exchange, a cross from Vinicius Junior was clearly deflected by Giuliano Simeone’s hand inside the penalty area. However, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak refused to award a penalty, and the VAR team did not intervene, igniting an intense debate over the fairness of the decision.

This highly anticipated encounter between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid was already loaded with tension, but the controversial non-call has only intensified the drama. With Atlético taking an early lead, Real Madrid was desperate to equalize when Vinicius Junior sent in a cross that struck Simeone’s outstretched arm. Despite loud protests from the Real Madrid players, Marciniak remained firm in his decision, waving play on without reviewing the footage.

Spanish media outlet Archivo VAR, known for scrutinizing refereeing decisions, has now weighed in on the matter. Their analysis leaves no doubt: the incident should have resulted in a penalty for Real Madrid. “VAR washed its hands in the Atlético Madrid – Real Madrid match,” the outlet stated. “Vinicius crosses, and Giuliano, with an open hand occupying space, deflects the ball. It’s a penalty. The key to the action lies in the movement of the Argentine’s arm as the ball passes.”

Such incidents have become a recurring nightmare for Real Madrid this season, with the club feeling increasingly aggrieved by controversial refereeing decisions. While complaints about officiating are common in La Liga, this time, the frustration stems from the Champions League, a competition where decisions are expected to be more consistent and precise. Unfortunately for Los Blancos, Szymon Marciniak has a history of unfavorable calls against them, and once again, they find themselves at the wrong end of a crucial decision.

Real Madrid fans and players are outraged, believing that the club has been systematically disadvantaged by refereeing errors. The failure of the VAR team to intervene, especially in a high-stakes knockout match, has only deepened suspicions of bias or incompetence. The Madrid-based media has been relentless in its criticism, questioning why such an obvious handball was ignored when similar incidents have resulted in penalties in other matches.

The outrage has not been limited to Madrid circles. Several neutral pundits and former referees have also expressed their confusion over the non-call. Some argue that the referee may have been instructed to allow the game to flow rather than constantly stopping for VAR reviews, while others believe that UEFA’s inconsistent application of handball rules is to blame. Whatever the case, this decision could have significant implications for Real Madrid’s European campaign.

Carlo Ancelotti, the Madrid coach, remained diplomatic in his post-match comments but did not hide his frustration. “Everyone saw what happened. I don’t need to say more. The images speak for themselves,” he remarked. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone naturally defended his son, claiming that the decision was correct and that his team deserved their victory.

This is not the first time Atlético Madrid has benefitted from controversial refereeing decisions in European competitions. Over the years, they have built a reputation as a gritty, hard-nosed team that thrives in chaotic situations. However, their recent fortune with refereeing decisions has led to accusations of favoritism, particularly when Marciniak is officiating.

For Real Madrid, the challenge now is to move past this injustice and focus on the remainder of the season. With La Liga and the Champions League still within reach, Ancelotti’s squad must channel their frustration into motivation. However, the club is reportedly considering filing a formal complaint to UEFA regarding the officiating standards in the match.

The implications of this decision could extend beyond this game. If Real Madrid fails to progress further in the competition, questions will be raised about the role of officiating in shaping the outcome of the Champions League. Conversely, if Atlético Madrid advances deep into the tournament, critics will point to moments like these as examples of undue advantage.

Despite this controversy, one thing is certain: the debate over refereeing standards and VAR’s effectiveness will continue. The inconsistencies in decision-making remain a major talking point in European football, and this latest incident only adds fuel to the fire.

Looking ahead, UEFA must address these concerns if they wish to maintain the credibility of their competitions. The governing body has already made changes to refereeing protocols in recent years, but incidents like this suggest that more work is needed. Perhaps greater transparency in the decision-making process or the introduction of automated handball detection systems could help mitigate such controversies in the future.

For now, Real Madrid fans must endure yet another frustrating moment in a season that has been riddled with officiating disputes. The only remedy will be success on the pitch, but whether the team can rise above these challenges remains to be seen.

The road to European glory is never easy, and for Real Madrid, the battle just got even tougher. Will they be able to overcome this setback, or will this controversial decision be the defining moment of their campaign? Only time will tell.