Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano was at the center of a controversy in the Champions League match against Celtic, as he appeared to step on the foot of Celtic’s Arne Engels. Despite a VAR review, referee Jesus Gil Manzano denied Celtic a penalty, claiming that Upamecano had played the ball in a “fair manner” before making contact with Engels.
However, not everyone agrees with the referee’s decision. Bayern Munich legend Michael Ballack believes that Celtic were robbed of a penalty, stating that Upamecano’s action was a clear foul. Ballack argued that if the incident had occurred in midfield, it would have been given as a free kick, and that the defender’s intention was irrelevant.
Former referees Des Roache and Steve Conroy also disputed the referee’s decision, stating that Upamecano’s action was not a “football motion” and that stomping on someone’s foot is a foul. They argued that similar incidents have been given as penalties in the past, and that the referee’s decision was incorrect.
UEFA released a statement supporting the referee’s decision, but the controversy surrounding the incident continues to be debated.
