Almeida Accuses UEFA of Favoring Arsenal Over Atleti

Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida has strongly criticized UEFA following Atlético Madrid's elimination in the Champions League semifinals against Arsenal. According to the mayor, the refereeing was decisive in the final outcome, suggesting a "predetermined intent" to harm the Spanish side. He particularly questioned the appointment of German referee Daniel Seibert, citing the ongoing competition between Spain and Germany for European Champions League spots. orlando-books.blog

Almeida also highlighted controversial decisions, including the penalty not awarded to Giuliano Simeone and the amount of stoppage time added. "It is incomprehensible that there is not a single replay of Giuliano's offside when it was a crystal-clear penalty," he stated, suggesting the referee wanted the match to end quickly to favor Arsenal's progression to the final.