When it comes to the controversial penalty in the recent Champions League match-up between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, Julian Alvarez isn't the only name worth mentioning. Referee Szymon Marciniak, one of Europe’s most esteemed officials, has come forward to shed light on the incident, confirming he was the first to spot the Argentine striker's double touch. This keen observation led him to alert the VAR, which subsequently resulted in the penalty's cancellation, favouring Ancelotti's men in a crucial tie. Reflecting on the situation, Marciniak stated: “I was the one to inform the VAR officials that there was a 99% chance that Alvarez had touched the ball twice, and they reviewed it thoroughly.” Remarkably, he admitted, “In my officiating career, I’ve rarely encountered anything like this, but the players know the rules.” Speaking of rules, changes could be on the horizon. Following the incident at the Wanda Metropolitano, UEFA has clarified their stance: “The player touched the ball with his standing foot before kicking it, as demonstrated in the accompanying video. According to the current rule (Laws of the Game, Rule 14.1), the VAR should have instructed the referee to annul the goal. UEFA will engage in talks with FIFA and IFAB to assess whether the rule should be modified when a double touch is evidently unintentional.”
