Was that a penalty?

ORF expert contradicts referee: “A gift!”

Romania are awarded a penalty - Ianis Hagi celebrates.(Bild: AFP/Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV, Screenshot ServusTV)

A controversial scene in the all-important European Championship clash between Romania and Slovakia in Group E caused a stir on Wednesday evening. Referee Daniel Siebert awarded a penalty after a tackle, ORF expert Thomas Steiner criticized the decision: "A gift!"

What had happened? Romania's Ianis Hagi tried to penetrate into the penalty area and was tackled by Slovakia's David Hancko. Referee Siebert initially awarded a free-kick, but the video referee intervened. A short time later, Siebert pointed to the spot.

First contact outside
"I find this decision very difficult," said former referee Thomas Steiner, who works as a pundit for ORF. For him, one thing is certain: "The first contact took place outside the penalty area."

From his point of view, the defender pulled his leg back. "Hagi is looking for contact. A gift, not a justified penalty," said Steiner.

Babbel: "Bitter for the Slovaks"
Expert Markus Babbel took a similar view on ServusTV. It was a free-kick, but not a penalty, said the 1996 European champion. "That's bitter for the Slovaks. But why did the VAR intervene? It wasn't a bad decision," said Babbel angrily.