Chelsea news: Pundit issues ‘harsh’ verdict after analysing controversial Marcos Alonso footage
Paul Robinson has insisted referee Szymon Marciniak was right to disallow Marcos Alonso’s second-half strike against Real Madrid despite Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel’s post-match outrage.
The former England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, conceded the decision will be “hard to take” for the Stamford Bridge side.
Chelsea were dumped out of the Champions League on Tuesday (12 April) after a 5-4 aggregate loss against Real Madrid.
Alonso looked to have levelled the tie at 3-3 in the second half but was adjudged to have handled the ball before his powerful right-footed strike – with referee Marciniak disallowing the goal without an on-field VAR review.
As quoted by Sky Sports (13 April), Tuchel slammed the decision to not consult the VAR monitor – and claimed officials do not have the “courage” to go against Real Madrid.
Robinson insisted the handball rule is “clear” and suggested the right decision was made.
“It seemed harsh,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“But the rule is quite clear. If the ball hits a hand in the build-up to a goal – then it’s not a goal.
“It’s one of those. If it’s against you, you feel hard done by. If it’s your team, you want to get away with it.
“It’ll be hard to take for Chelsea. It was a ricochet from close range and his hands were close to his body and in a natural position.
“But going by the letter of the law, I think the rules were applied correctly.”
Chelsea face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday (17 April).
Real Madrid will play Manchester City over two legs for a place in the Champions League final.
In other news, Romelu Lukaku’s exit plan may be in “jeopardy” amid injury news.