In a significant development, the UEFA Referees Committee has acknowledged that a penalty should have been awarded in future cases similar to the contentious handball incident involving Spain’s Marc Cucurella during the Germany-Spain match.
The committee’s admission comes three months after the incident sparked widespread debate. Retired German midfielder Toni Kroos has now reacted to the news, expressing irony and skepticism.
“It took them three months to realize it was a handball, something that almost everyone saw in just a second,” Kroos said. “Thank you, it wasn’t that big of a deal.”
Kroos’ tone was laced with sarcasm as he questioned the belated acknowledgment. “Can I proclaim myself European Champion now that they’ve officially said it was a mistake? I don’t think so.”
The UEFA Referees Committee’s clarification will influence future handball decisions, emphasizing the importance of consistency and accuracy in refereeing.