Atlético protest over Hancko penalty appeal after Stuttgart draw

Atlético Madrid’s 1-1 draw at Stuttgart’s MHPArena was followed by strong protests over a penalty not awarded for a foul on Hancko. After a difficult first half, Atlético fought back to level the match and take a point, but believed a late penalty decision could have given them a chance to leave with a win.

The incident came from a Grimaldo corner sent towards the near post, where Hancko was trying to reach the ball. Lorenz Assignon stepped on the Atlético defender’s foot as he went for it, preventing him from taking part in the play. Serdar Gözübüyük did not award a penalty, and the video assistant referee did not intervene. The decision stood out all the more because Atlético had battled back into the match and spent part of the second half with ten men.

Stuttgart had started strongly, pressing forward, while Atlético repeatedly lost possession when trying to play out. Jamie Leweling put VfB Stuttgart ahead in the first half. Atlético responded after the break as Stuttgart dropped deeper. Hancko had one of the side’s chances with a header before Julián Alvarez equalised in the 46th minute, finishing a move carried forward by Barrios. The match then changed when Hjulmand was sent off with a straight red card for a forceful challenge. Atlético ultimately accepted the draw.

The failure to award a penalty for the challenge on Hancko became one of the main talking points after the final whistle. Iturralde González, a former professional referee who is now a commentator, said the penalty was beyond dispute. Grimaldo also questioned whether comparable incidents were being refereed consistently. Atlético had made another appeal on the opening matchday, calling for a penalty for a Víctor Muñoz handball inside the area and a second yellow card for Mac Allister after a heavy foul. In Stuttgart, the score remained level, while the latest appeal extended the discussion over the refereeing decisions.