Vincent Kompany has publicly questioned a controversial penalty decision, suggesting that the call may have been incorrect and emphasizing the importance of accurate officiating at the highest level of the game.
The manager shared his concerns after reviewing the incident, stating that from his perspective, the sequence of contact did not justify the penalty being awarded.
According to Kompany, the ball appeared to strike the player’s body before making contact with the arm — a detail that could significantly affect how the situation should be judged under current handball rules.
“For me, the penalty is highly debatable,” Kompany said.
“From what I saw, the ball hits the body first and then the arm. If that’s the case, it shouldn’t be a penalty.”
While acknowledging the challenges faced by referees making split-second decisions during live play, Kompany pointed out that the presence of technology such as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) should allow officials to review incidents thoroughly and reach the most accurate outcome possible.
“I understand decisions can go either way in real time, but when you look at it again… it raises questions,” he continued.
“We have VAR, we have technology — so we expect these moments to be judged correctly.”
Despite voicing his doubts about the decision, Kompany maintained a measured tone, clarifying that his intention was not to complain but rather to highlight the importance of transparency and fairness in officiating.
“I’m not here to complain, but we have to be honest. It looks like there may have been a mistake.”
The former defender also stressed how marginal decisions, particularly penalties, can have a massive impact on the outcome of matches — especially in high-level competitions where the margins between teams are extremely tight.
“And at this level, small decisions like this can change everything.”
