Rebrov comments on Ukraine penalty controversy with Italy

Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov was extraordinarily diplomatic when requested concerning the controversial penalty name within the remaining moments towards Italy. ‘I believed it was a penalty, however the referee and VAR didn’t.’

Going into the ultimate EURO 2024 qualifier, the Ukrainians knew solely a victory would see them get by means of to the match immediately, as something much less meant the play-offs.

It ended 0-0, however in stoppages Bryan Cristante appeared to catch Mykhailo Mudryk on the ankle, with referee Jesus Gil Manzano waving play on and VAR deciding to not intervene with an On-Discipline Evaluation both.

Inevitably, that was the primary query when Rebrov obtained to the press room in Leverkusen.

“I believed it was a penalty, however there’s a referee and VAR, we’re not those who determine. The referee was not known as to confirm the footage,” stated the coach.

“For my part, it was a spot-kick. The VAR didn’t contemplate it opportune to name the referee in entrance of the show.”

As for the match itself, Italy had the higher of the primary half with a number of alternatives, however Ukraine pushed laborious within the remaining phases.

“It was a tricky recreation from the very begin. We above all labored defensively within the first half, then began to press and counter extra. The lads had been unhappy within the locker room, I spoke to them, it was a very good efficiency.”

Regardless of having to play all their ‘dwelling’ video games on impartial turf because of the struggle in Ukraine, the staff ended the group section with out defeat in these fixtures.

“It definitely has not been straightforward, however we all the time did our responsibility and tried to offer the most effective we might. There was a stunning environment within the stadium and the Italians, each on the sector and within the stands, confirmed us nice respect.”

Ukraine will now enter the play-offs and hope to be one of many three groups from the group of 12 who make it by means of to EURO 2024 subsequent summer time.

The play-offs will happen in March 2024.