Ahead of the final round of Euro 2024 qualifiers, UEFA president Alex Ceferin called the possibility that European champions Italy would not qualify for the major tournament a "disaster". Yesterday, they rescued a point from Ukraine 0-0 and could defend their title, but the big question now is - did UEFA help that happen?
If you ask the Ukrainians, the answer would be a total "yes", after Mikhailo Mudryk appeared to be tripped wide by Squadra Azzurri player Brian Christante, while the match referee, Spain's Gil Manzano, chose to ignore it. The VAR referees also didn't bother to check the incident – a strange decision no doubt.
After the final whistle, the Ukrainians returned to the UEFA president's words: "Italy is too important a team. I think it will beat Ukraine." Along with the feeling of deprivation, we got a sure recipe for scandal, which spoils the dramatic way Italians qualified for the Euros.
So maybe you'll be the judge. Watch and decide - is the Israeli opponent in the playoff semi-finals (via the Nations League) deprived or just a whiner? Because on social media they asked: "How is it not a penalty?"
How was this not a pen on mudryk for Ukraine??? pic.twitter.com/52VJrJeX1P
— Steelo (@Vicreus_11) November 20, 2023
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