Ukraine have had to settle for a play-off place as a result
Ukraine were controversially denied a penalty in the 93rd minute of their Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy that confirmed their opponents’s automatic qualification at their expense.
Italy and Ukraine played each other on Monday night with Italy needing just a point to join group C leaders England in Germany next summer as they had a better head-to-head record than their Eastern European counterparts.
With minutes left of the game to play, Mykhailo Mudryk was seemingly fouled by Bryan Cristante in the box, with several angles appearing to show that the Roma man had made contact, but VAR opted not to intervene.
Drama in Leverkusen! 🤯
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) November 20, 2023
Mykhailo Mudryk is denied a late spot kick and Italy go through to the Finals 😬#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/VoTWvMZ1nO
The decision sparked plenty of debate online as fans were left baffled by the failure to award Ukraine a penalty.
“How have VAR not given that?” exclaimed one fan.
“That’s a terrible decision. Ukraine have been done there by VAR,” wrote a second.
Another commented: “That’s corruption of the highest order.”
A fourth said: “I mean, it’s clear as day he trips him, why on earth wasn’t that checked. What’s the point in anything?
“That’s one of the clearest penalties you will ever see and one of the easiest penalties to give. What a disgrace, that ref and his video assistants should be sacked instantly and never be anywhere near a football match ever again tbh,” added another.
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