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The real reason Juventus were not given a penalty against Tottenham revealed by Gerrard
JUVENTUS star Douglas Costa delayed falling to the ground when tackled by Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen and that is why he did not win a penalty.
Liverpool target Douglas Costa displays his extraordinary skill
That is the opinion of BT Sport pundit and former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
Juventus went into the Champions League last-16 second-leg clash at Wembley knowing they had to score at least once after the first leg in Turin ended 2-2.
The Old Lady scored one penalty and missed another in that game and felt aggrieved they were not awarded one tonight.
Tottenham defender Vertonghen made clear contact with winger Costa and Gerrard believes it was a stonewall penalty.
Douglas Costa was caught by Jan Vertonghen but the referee did not award a penalty
I think his delayed reaction in going down has gone against Costa
“Yeah for me it’s a penalty,” Gerrard said.
“The referee (fifth official) is 10 yards away, he’s got to see this.
“But I think his delayed reaction in going down has gone against Costa.
“There’s initial contact first of all and then there’s another slight contact as well, so there’s two.
Gerrard says Douglas Costa's delay stopped him from winning a penalty
“To be fair to the ref he probably can’t see because he’s too far away but this is the reason why the fifth official is here to see incidents like this.
“He’s got no excuse, there were two contacts.”
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was equally amazed the official behind the goal did not award the spot kick to Juventus.
“What’s he watching though? Seriously? What’s he watching,” Ferdinand said.
The decision ultimately did not hurt Juve, as they won 2-1 on the night, 4-3 on aggregate.
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