I have watched it 1,000 times -Julian Alvarez slams controversial UCL penalty ruling

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has spoken out against the decision to rule out his penalty in his side’s Champions League last-16 defeat to Real Madrid.

Alvarez’s spot-kick, which found the back of the net, was deemed invalid by VAR after it was decided he touched the ball twice when his foot slipped.

The incident has sparked widespread debate, with Alvarez becoming the latest to publicly question the ruling.

Alvarez has insisted that he did not feel the ball touch his standing foot as he struck the penalty.

“I have watched it 1,000 times, there are videos everywhere. The truth is that I don’t feel the touch, because if there were two touches, the contact is minimal and it is very difficult to perceive it”, he explained.

The controversy has led to calls for a clearer rule surrounding double-touch penalties. UEFA has confirmed that they will speak with FIFA and the International Football Association Board to try and change the rules.

This move has been welcomed by many, who argue that the current rule is too harsh and can lead to unfair decisions.

Alvarez’s penalty was a prime example of this, with many arguing that the contact was unintentional and did not affect the outcome of the penalty.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone was visibly frustrated by the decision after the final whistle, while a host of Madrid stars expressed their sympathies while arguing that the referees eventually reached the correct decision.

The incident has sparked a wider debate about the use of VAR in football, with many arguing that the technology is still not perfect and can lead to controversy.

The defeat marked a disappointing exit from the Champions League for Atletico Madrid, who had been hoping to progress to the quarterfinals.

Despite the controversy surrounding the penalty, Julian Alvarez and his teammates will be looking to bounce back from the defeat and focus on their domestic campaign.