The imaginary penalty that James Rodriguez wanted against Valencia
The Colombian claimed for handball in the area but the ball clearly did not strike a hand or arm
Valencia later conceded a penalty but Cristiano Ronaldo fluffed his lines
James Rodriguez, Real Madrid’s Colombian star, claimed a penalty against Valencia in La Liga on Saturday, a penalty that only he saw.
The midfielder, who replaced the injured Gareth Bale in the starting line up, thought Valencia player Lato handled the ball in the box, but the Che star used his body to block the ball.
Gil Manzano, the game’s referee, decided to wave play on instead of giving in to James’ demands, just like he did a few moments earlier when Cristiano Ronaldo was crying for a spot-kick.
TV images confirmed they were correct decisions but Madrid eventually had the penalty they wanted when Modric was pulled back in the box by Dani Parejo. However Cristiano Ronaldo spurned the chance to score, with his effort repelled by Diego Alves.
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