Atlético Madrid supporters’ Union accuses UEFA of manipulating Julián Álvarez penalty video. The Union of Atlético Madrid Supporters’ Clubs has accused UEFA of manipulating the video released during the controversy surrounding Julián Álvarez’s penalty. An expert report reveals troubling inconsistencies. Real Madrid, at the heart of this controversy, remains a spectator in the face of the Colchoneros’ protests, who, despite everything, are eliminated from the competition.
Since 12 March, Atlético Madrid has refused to come to terms with its elimination by Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16. Convinced that referee Szymon Marciniak’s decision to cancel Julián Álvarez’s penalty for a double contact was unjustified, the Colchoneros’ officials have brooded over the defeat for days. As the quarter-finals approach, including the highly anticipated clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid – the Colchoneros’ executioner – the Union of Atlético Supporters’ Clubs, which claims to be a staunch defender of sporting integrity, is placing the blame squarely on UEFA.
The expert report
Suspecting manipulation of the footage released by UEFA, the Atlético supporters’ group commissioned an independent investigation. Still outraged by Real Madrid’s progression in the competition, the Unión de Peñas hired two experts – Pedro Tubio and José Luis Rivas – to conduct an in-depth study of the Julián Álvarez penalty video UEFA published as justification. On 2 April, a detailed 64-page report was made public, containing disturbing conclusions, as reported by El Desmarque.
The report highlights several anomalies in what is claimed to be the original video. According to the experts, the metadata contains notable inconsistencies, and the internal structure does not match that of a typical camera recording. Additionally, an entropy analysis revealed abnormalities suggesting alterations after the initial capture. Atlético Madrid’s experts also detected visual cloning in certain areas of the image and a total absence of audio, further fuelling doubts about the video’s authenticity.
These findings led the experts to conclude that the analysed file “cannot be considered a complete, original, and unaltered recording.” The suspected use of certain tools to process or manipulate the video undermines its validity as audiovisual evidence.
Supporters’ demands and threats
In light of these damning conclusions, the Union of Supporters’ Clubs now demands that UEFA provide the original video and audio recordings. Failing that, they threaten to take the matter to civil court to obtain answers. This is not the first time doubts have been raised about the footage. As early as 20 March, the Union had expressed concerns about its authenticity. The release of a different video nearly 20 hours after the event – one differing from the versions initially broadcast – had already sparked suspicion.
This debate raises questions well beyond the scope of a single match. If the allegations are proven true, they could not only damage UEFA’s reputation but also raise broader concerns about the use of technology in sport.
UEFA’s response awaited
As for Real Madrid, the club continues to observe the situation. Though not directly accused, it remains at the centre of the media storm – a context that could impact upcoming matches. That said, Florentino Pérez’s club reportedly no longer intends to respond to the Colchoneros’ claims, considering they change nothing. For now, Real Madrid moves forward in the Champions League and will face Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on UEFA’s response to the threats issued by Atlético Madrid supporters. It’s worth recalling that the Real Madrid rivals had already called on the European body to punish Carlo Ancelotti’s players for their celebrations following qualification. On Friday, UEFA officially announced the sanctions. Now, attention turns to whether UEFA will respond to the accusations and provide irrefutable evidence. One thing is certain: the football world is watching closely, and this case could be a game-changer.
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