Maccabi Tel Aviv's Controversial Penalty Sparks Outrage in Swiss Media
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv earned a disputed penalty against Lugano in their Conference League playoff second leg, sparking criticism from Swiss media over the referee's decision. Dor Peretz scored from the spot after Elad Madmon was fouled, but Swiss outlets called the contact minimal and questioned the call. Later handball claims against Lugano were dismissed, intensifying the controversy.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv scored a penalty in the 69th minute against Lugano in the Conference League playoff second leg.
- The penalty followed a foul on Elad Madmon by Lugano substitute Damien Kelvin, who stepped on Madmon's foot.
- Swiss media criticized the referee for awarding the penalty, calling the contact "light."
- A later handball by Kelvin was not penalized despite Maccabi's protests.
- The penalty was a key moment after Maccabi lost the first leg 2-1.
On August 27, 2026, during the Conference League playoff second leg against Lugano, Maccabi Tel Aviv took a 1-0 lead in the 69th minute with a penalty scored by Dor Peretz. The penalty was awarded after Elad Madmon, who had just come on as a substitute, was fouled inside the box by Lugano substitute Damien Kelvin. Kelvin appeared to step on Madmon's foot, prompting the referee to award the penalty and issue a yellow card to Renato Stefan for protesting. Swiss media criticized the referee's decision, describing the contact as "light" and insufficient for a penalty. Later in the match, Lugano's Kelvin was seen handling the ball in the box, which led Maccabi players to demand a penalty, but the call was not given. The Swiss outlet defended Kelvin's handball, noting the ball struck his hand from very close range. The match followed Maccabi's 2-1 loss in the first leg, making the penalty a pivotal moment in the tie.
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