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Marc Cucurella has accused UEFA of intentionally creating controversy with their decisions after their Euro 2024 error. The Spaniard has now admitted that the ball clearly hit his hand in the quarter-finals against Germany.
Spain had an extraordinary run at the Euro 2024 in Germany this summer, winning all of their fixtures in the tournament right from the group stages. La Roja secured a 2-1 victory against the hosts in the quarter-finals on July 5.
Spain took the lead in the 51st minute via Dani Olmo's strike before a late goal from Florian Wirtz handed Germany a lifeline. The thrilling encounter continued to extra time and saw chances on both ends. However, La Roja could only convert as Mikel Merino scored the match-winner in the 119th minute.
During extra time, Jamal Musiala's shot was deflected by Marc Cucurella and it seemed clear that the point of contact was the defender's hand, but no penalty was given.
UEFA admitted that Germany should've been awarded penalty three months later, long after Spain lifted the Euro 2024 trophy. It was decided by UEFA's Referees Committee after reviewing the play and providing updated guidelines on how such incidents should be handled.
Speaking about the error in an interview with The Guardian, the Chelsea star stated:
“It hit my hand very clearly but I looked at the ref and, very sure of himself, he said: ‘No, no.’ I think: ‘Relax.’ Phew. They can’t come out one month and say it’s handball, then a month later say it’s not. They’re the ones creating controversy. It’s a bit weird, but there’s nothing we can do now.”
Marc Cucurella started all of Spain's Euro 2024 fixtures except their group-stage game against Albania, recording one assist.
Chelsea star Marc Cucurella claims he's being targeted in the Premier League after Spain's EURO 2024 triumph
Marc Cucurella has claimed that he's being targeted more often in the Premier League after Spain defeated England in the Euro 2024 final to lift the trophy. The left-back insists that it's normal though, given that he was involved in the winning goal against the Three Lions.
After beating Germany in the quarter-finals, Spain defeated France 2-1 in the semis before booking a final date with England. Nico Williams opened the scoring at the start of the second half before Cole Palmer equalized for Gareth Southgate's side. Mikel Oyarzabal fired it home in the 86th minute, courtesy of Cucurella's assist, to secure a 2-1 win and European triumph for La Roja.
Speaking about the changes he felt in the months after the victory, the 26-year-old Cucurella stated (via Metro):
"You have more impact, people know you more. Being a European champion is historic and you will always take that with you."
When asked if he noticed any differences in the Premier League, the star Chelsea defender said:
Well, I’ve already been suspended for five yellow cards and I’ve committed a few fouls; they’re going after me a bit. They jump on me quickly, especially when we play away from home. It’s normal, we won, I was involved in the goal, I’m playing at their home… it’s normal, they’re hurt."
Cucurella has picked up five yellow cards this season and will miss Chelsea's league fixture against Liverpool on October 20 via suspension.
