Is this a penalty? Barcelona fume as VAR awards Inter Milan a controversial spotkick after Pau Cubarsi’s challenge on Lautaro Martinez

Barcelona players raged at referee Szymon Marciniak after the Pole controversially awarded Inter Milan a first-half penalty in their Champions League semi-final second leg.

Lautaro Martinez had already put Inter 1-0 up on the night when the Argentine burst into the box in search of a second goal. 

The Argentine was primed to shoot before Pau Cubarsi slid in for a last-ditch tackle. At first glance, it looked like a brilliant piece of defending as Marciniak waved play on. 

However, the referee was soon advised by a second look by the VAR and, after reviewing the footage, pointed to his spot.

Hakan Calhanoglu coolly converted the penalty past Wojciech Szczesny to put Inter Milan 2-0 up on the night and give them a 5-3 aggregate advantage on the stroke of half time. 

Barcelona players surrounded the referee shortly after he made his decision and then again after the spot-kick had been converted. 

Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi slides in on Lautaro Martinez as the Argentine was primed to shoot

The Inter Milan skipper stayed on the ground after the referee waved play on at the San Siro

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak is asked to take a second look and decides to change his mind and award a penalty to Inter Milan, much to the dismay of the Barcelona players

Ronald Araujo is held back by his manager Hansi Flick as Barcelona’s bench gets involved

Hakan Calhanoglu celebrates scoring from the resulting penalty to put Inter 2-0 up on the night

And, after the half-time whistle had been blown, some Barcelona substitutes even made their way onto the pitch to confront the officials amid a fiery atmosphere at the San Siro.

Despite the Barcelona protestations, however, former England internationals Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge, both pundits for Amazon Prime, were united in believing the right decision was made. 

‘Oh it’s a penalty, 100 per cent,’ Rooney told Amazon Prime.

‘It’s a great run by Martinez and he’s clever, he leaves his leg in there. The defender takes his legs out. In my opinion, that’s a clear penalty.’

While Sturridge added that Barcelona defender Cubarsi may have been caught out by a more wily opponent. 

‘He’s a young defender, only 18,’ said Sturridge.

‘And that’s a little bit of experience, a little bit of cuteness from Martinez, leaving his leg out there a little bit, allowing him to be kicked. 

‘As an attacker, you want defenders lunging in the box. That’s what you’re waiting for.’