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It is becoming clear that the most controversial episode in the first Champions League semi-final - a mere farce, writes fcbarcelona.lt.
In the second half of the match, referee Wolfgang Stark, after consulting with his assistant, sent off "Real" player Pepe for a foul on "Barcelona" defender Dani Alves. This decision by the referee sparked widespread anger among the Madrid newspapers and representatives of "Real".
Even before the controversy subsided, videos appeared on the internet showing that Pepe allegedly did not touch Dani Alves' leg. The "Barcelona" player was accused of simulating a foul and referred to as "diving" to fake a foul.
However, it is now becoming clear that the initial videos that appeared on the internet were crude fakes. This was revealed by an analysis of the video footage: it is obvious that certain frames were simply "frozen" using specific computer programs.
Analysis of the controversial episode:
1. 61st minute of the match. First to the ball - Dani Alves, who strikes it. Pepe approaches with an outstretched leg.
2. Dani Alves strikes the ball. The ball hits Pepe's leg.
3. The ball starts to fall down.
4. The ball continues to fall down. There was no contact, as attempted to be claimed.
5. The ball keeps falling down. Pepe's bent knee straightens, the moment of contact approaches.
6. Moment of contact. Dani Alves' leg is still not moving back. The foot is stretched as if just striking the ball. This is where the "Barcelona" player was accused of simulating a foul.
7. GOLDEN FRAME. Contact. Pepe's outstretched leg hits Dani Alves on the calf. There is no contact with the ball (the ball is already falling down), so the alleged contact could not have affected the position of "Barcelona" player's foot (see the raised position of Dani Alves' foot in the 6th frame).
It is worth noting that right after Pepe's strike, the position of the foot of the "Barcelona" player changes - the leg twists.
8. Moment after Pepe's strike on Dani Alves' leg. "Barcelona" player begins to lose balance and falls.
A video clip explaining how the video footage was manipulated to show a situation where Pepe supposedly did not commit a foul against Dani Alves.
