The match between Atlético de Madrid and Celta left several controversial plays, but one of the most debated was the penalty awarded in favor of Celta. The action, in which Borja Iglesias fell inside the area after contact with Robin Le Normand, was analyzed in depth on Tiempo de Juego of COPE. There, Paco González did not hesitate to give his opinion with his characteristic direct style.
"I don't see a grab, maybe left leg to left leg or left foot to left foot collision. The fall isn't very natural," the journalist stated, making it clear that the play caused many doubts for him.
The Penalty That Changed Everything
The match between Atlético and Celta had already had its share of controversy with the early expulsion of Pablo Barrios in the 6th minute, following the VAR intervention. However, the action that really ignited the debate was the penalty awarded in favor of Celta in the second half.
The referee, Martínez Munuera, awarded the penalty after considering that Le Normand had stepped on Borja Iglesias inside the area. In the replay, a slight contact between the legs of both players could be seen, which was enough for the penalty to be decreed.
For Paco González, however, Borja Iglesias's fall was not entirely convincing.
"Now if there's a photo showing he stepped on him a little, well, you know, that won't change. The little step, our daily one."
Divided Opinions on the Play
The penalty caused mixed reactions among the commentators of Tiempo de Juego. While the 2006 Tour de France winner, Óscar Pereiro, claimed it was "a clear penalty," the program's referee specialist, Pedro Martín, didn't see it clearly.
"It's a joke of a penalty. I would never call it, but according to the instructions the referees have, it's a penalty." Meanwhile, Gonzalo Miró aligned with Pereiro's version, recalling that if stepping on an opponent inside the area is usually a foul, then this action should be considered a penalty.