Juanito’s pull on Zigic, 16 years on, Valencia’s Europa League grievance that never faded | OneFootball

Sixteen years on, Valencia’s Europa League grievance endures, centred on Juanito’s shirt pull on Nikola Zigic against Atlético Madrid. According to Superdeporte, it remains one of the competition’s biggest scandals after referee Florian Meyer declined to award a penalty despite the ripped jersey.

That season Valencia boasted David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata, with David Albelda and Rubén Baraja anchoring the side. The first leg finished level and the away-goals rule left Unai Emery’s team one goal from the semi-finals.

Pushing for it, Valencia worked the ball into the box. To contain the towering Zigic, Juanito grabbed his shirt and hung on to prevent a header. The Serbian’s top was left badly torn, yet no spot-kick followed.

Instead the referee restarted play, a decision few inside the ground could fathom.

Years later, Juanito admitted he had effectively taken Zigic’s shirt. On the night, Atlético officials rejected any wrongdoing, with Enrique Cerezo arguing that shirts often tear during matches.

Source: Superdeporte