A handball penalty awarded to the German national team (DFB-Team) in a friendly match against Ghana carried significant historical weight. Referee Stuart Attwell’s decision for a spot-kick just before halftime, following a VAR review, brought a bizarre cycle to a close.
Angelo Stiller had taken a shot from close range and a tight angle, but the ball was blocked by Jonas Adjeteys’ arm. Given that the ball appeared to be heading towards the goal, the penalty for the German side was entirely justified. ARD commentator Phillip Sohmer couldn’t resist a jab at the English official, given the striking parallels to a past event: «Boy, 633 days too late, this whistle!»
The background to Sohmer’s remark dates back to the dramatic elimination of the DFB-Team in the quarter-finals of the home European Championship against Spain. Attwell was the Video Assistant Referee in that match. The referee team, led by Anthony Taylor and Attwell, made a critical error by failing to award a clear handball against Marc Cucurella in the 106th minute of extra time, after a shot by Jamal Musiala. This decision denied Germany a crucial penalty.
DFB Drama Against Spain at the Euros: Attwell Booed Upon Welcome
Taylor had immediately ruled «no handball» then, and Attwell did not intervene despite it being a clear misjudgment, a fact later even acknowledged by UEFA. A penalty should have been given as Cucurella’s arm was not close to his body and unnaturally enlarged his body surface. Cucurella himself was heavily booed in subsequent appearances on German soil.
This fate now befell Attwell. The official was reportedly booed upon his introduction on Monday evening at the Stuttgart stadium – precisely the venue where Germany’s «home drama» had unfolded 633 days earlier. When the stadium announcer welcomed Attwell, widespread boos were clearly audible throughout the arena.
Nevertheless, thanks to his correct decision this time, the DFB-Team took a 1-0 lead against Ghana just before the break. Kai Havertz coolly converted the penalty, leaving Benjamin Asare no chance.
Attwell became the youngest Premier League referee in 2008 and has been officiating at FIFA level since 2009. He has overseen 238 matches in England’s top flight but has only refereed three Champions League qualification games to date.