VAR controversy as Ukraine somehow denied 93rd minute penalty against Italy

Ukraine were controversially denied a penalty against Italy following a VAR check in the 93rd minute as they won't compete at Euro 2024.

England topped Group C with 20 points as Italy finished runners-up ahead of Ukraine, who ended up with the same amount of points (14) as the European champions.

But Italy secured a spot in next summer's competition based on their head-to-head record.

Ukraine, though, could have beaten Italy on Monday to clinch their place at Euro 2024 had they been awarded a penalty deep, deep into stoppage time.

They were denied a dramatic spot-kick following a VAR review when Mykhailo Mudryk was seemingly fouled by Bryan Cristante inside the box.

Drama in Leverkusen! 🤯

Mykhailo Mudryk is denied a late spot kick and Italy go through to the Finals 😬#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/VoTWvMZ1nO

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) November 20, 2023

Fans online are convinced Ukraine should have been given a penalty against Italy as they made their feelings clear about VAR.

One X user wrote: "That’s a terrible decision. Ukraine have been done there by VAR."

A second tweeted: "How have VAR not given that?"

A third fumed: "VAR needs binning off. Ludicrous."

A fourth claimed: "That’s corruption of the highest order."

Another added: "Terrible decision making here."

Speaking after the goalless draw, Luciano Spalletti said Ukraine proved they are a very good team.

"Nothing could be taken for granted in general. We had a good game, the first half saw many chances to secure the result. Once we didn’t do that, the match became more physical and at that stage it was no longer about football," he told RAI Sport.

"We had to keep attacking, but Ukraine proved they are a very good team who gave us a lot of problems."

Italy will be in Germany for Euro 2024, having failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.