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Germany fans demand UEFA replay quarter-final against Spain

Germany fans demand UEFA replay quarter-final against Spain
Published 3 months ago on Jul 08, 2024

Euro 2024: Germany Fans Up in Arms After Controversial Handball Decision in Quarter-Final Defeat to Spain.

The Euro 2024 quarter-final clash between Germany and Spain was a heart-stopping affair, ultimately decided by a late goal from Mikel Merino in extra time. However, the result has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding a handball decision in the second half of extra time.

Dramatic Encounter Ends in Disappointment for Hosts

Germany, buoyed by the home crowd, started brightly but fell behind early in the second half to a goal from Dani Olmo. The Germans fought back valiantly, and Florian Wirtz's dramatic 89th-minute equalizer sent the stadium into a frenzy. However, Spanish dominance in extra time ultimately paid off with Merino's 119th-minute winner.

Handball Controversy Ignites Fan Fury

The most contentious moment of the match arrived in the 113th minute. A shot from Jamal Musiala struck the outstretched arm of Spanish defender Marc Cucurella inside the penalty area. German players and fans erupted in calls for a penalty, but referee Anthony Taylor waved play on. The VAR team did not intervene, leaving the decision unchanged.

This decision sparked outrage among German supporters. A petition launched on Change.org, demanding a replay of the match and action against Taylor, has garnered over 30,000 signatures at the time of writing. The petition accuses Taylor of biased officiating and highlights a perceived inconsistency with another recent handball decision.

Expert Opinion: Following the Rules, Not the Sentiment

Despite the German fans' disappointment, football analysts suggest Taylor made the correct call based on UEFA's pre-tournament guidelines. ESPN's Dale Johnson took to social media, explaining that UEFA's briefing specifically addressed handballs like the one involving Cucurella, stating it should not be penalized.

According to these guidelines, a non-penalizable handball involves the arm being close to the body, pointing downwards, and positioned behind the body line. This differs from situations where the arm is extended away from the body, creating a bigger obstacle.

Spain Marches On, Germany Left to Ponder What If

While the German faithful remain understandably frustrated, the competition moves forward. Spain, the only team with a perfect record in extra time included, will face France in the semi-final on July 9th. The winner of that match will take on either England or the Netherlands in the final on July 14th.

Whether Germany's passionate supporters will accept the handball decision as a fair application of the rules remains to be seen. However, the incident adds another layer of drama to an already thrilling Euro 2024 tournament.

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