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The episode from the match between "Barcelona" and "Manchester City" that caused the most discussion was commented on by former football referee Graham Poll.
In the 53rd minute, Martin Demichelis, who was chasing Lionel Messi, brought down his opponent, earning a red card, and a penalty kick was awarded to Joe Hart's goal. Messi himself converted the penalty kick.
The foul against the Argentinian player of the Catalan club was right on the edge of the penalty area, so the decision by Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson, as expected, received various evaluations.
However, G. Poll, who has already ended his referee career, firmly believes that the penalty kick awarded to "Manchester City" was completely justified.
"First of all, Demichelis fouled Messi when the Barcelona forward had already broken away from him. This is what is called a 'last-man' foul, and for such a rule violation, a red card is given," explained the Englishman.
According to G. Poll, most disagreements arise regarding the exact location where Demichelis committed the foul, but such episodes are described in football rules.
"The contact between Demichelis and Messi started before the penalty area boundary, but ended inside the penalty area. In such cases, a penalty kick is awarded, and this time the referee made the right decision. It is clear that the "Manchester City" player is still touching Messi when he has already crossed the penalty area line," says G. Poll.
