Gil Manzano and the CTA Exposed, They Didn't Want to Call a Penalty for Real Madrid

Despite the victory, Real Madrid's match was once again marked by controversy against the Madrid team. Gil Manzano decided not to call a penalty in favor of Madrid for a handball by Pedraza, arguing that the hand was on the ground. However, the defender cut off a clear opportunity for the whites.

Fede Valverde was left alone in front of Diego Conde, but he chose to assist Jude Bellingham to score easily. At that moment, Villarreal's full-back tried to block the pass with his arm, but the referee, although it was an obvious play, decided not to sanction it.

Gil Manzano Didn't Call the Penalty

The rules state that a hand on the ground should not be sanctioned, although in this case, it interrupted a clear and obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Additionally, Pedraza keeps his arm on the ground as he notices the ball approaching and makes no attempt to withdraw it. However, Gil Manzano's decision was already made, without change.

From the beginning, the Extremaduran referee stated that Pedraza's hand was on the ground. However, the referee never considered whether the relevant issue was that it was on the ground or that it interrupted a clear opportunity for Real Madrid. As expected, from the VAR, Cuadra Fernández also didn't show much willingness for Gil Manzano to review the play.

Gil Manzano's decision harmed Real Madrid, but it didn't prevent the white team from achieving victory in Villarreal. In the first half, Foyth had put the local team ahead with a goal in the eighth minute, but Kylian Mbappé replied with a brace.

The two goals from the French forward allowed Madrid to take the lead. Although Villarreal CF pressed intensely in the second half, the score didn't change.

What Do the Rules Say?

It's quite curious what happened at La Cerámica, as the rule itself indicates that the penalty should have been called. According to the RFEF, Gil Manzano should have awarded the penalty to Real Madrid.

"If the hand is on the ground or on the way to support. Hand as a support tool to maintain balance. If the player falls and the hand or arm is between the ground support point, but not away from the body to the side or vertically", the rules state.