The work of Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano at the Euro 2024 qualifying match between Ukraine and Italy is being commented on in different parts of Europe. A huge resonance was caused by the moment in the compensated time, when the Italian midfielder Bryan Cristante did not have time for the ball and caught the foot of Mykhailo Mudryk. Neither Manzano nor VAR referee Juan Martinez decided to award a penalty to the reigning European champions. Even the Spanish media is surprised by this decision of their representative.
Jesus Gil Manzano. Photo: GettyimagesMarca: "How Italy saved. A clean penalty was not appointed in the 92nd minute. Ukraine's goal would have cost the Italians a direct Euro exit."
AS: "Gil Manzano saves Italy. Italy were stalling in agony at the end, with Ukraine trying to argue over possible contact between Mudryk and Cristante in the penalty area. Gil Manzano and VAR ruled it was a game point. The champion suffered but will be in Germany."
Mundo Deportivo: "Manzano turned out to be the protagonist of the Ukraine vs Italy duel. The field referee did not give a penalty and VAR confirmed the decision in just a minute. It is not clear whether there was enough contact for Mudryk to fall. If the penalty had happened, the group would have changed dramatically - Ukraine are going to the Euros and Italy to the Nations League. However, the Ukrainians will have to go through an additional play-off".
