UEFA upholds controversial penalty decision in Lugano vs. Red Star match

UEFA has officially confirmed that the penalty awarded to Lugano in the final minutes of their match against Red Star Belgrade was correctly decided. The decision follows a 3:2 defeat for the Serbian side in the first round of the Conference League held in Switzerland.

Red Star Belgrade held a 2:1 lead until the closing stages of the game, when Lugano secured a comeback victory. The controversial penalty, awarded in the 90th minute, sparked significant debate among fans and officials. Following a detailed review of video footage and VAR communications, the UEFA refereeing commission concluded that a defender held an opponent with both hands, constituting a clear holding foul.

UEFA stated: “The defending player holds the opponent with both hands, thereby committing a clear holding offense. The referee correctly awarded the penalty and correctly cautioned the player for unsporting behavior.”

The Red Star Belgrade coach expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating, suggesting that multiple decisions throughout the match favored the home team. The loss may impact the club's progression in the Conference League. Red Star's next challenge is a match against Inter Escaldes in Belgrade.