In the final minutes of the first half in the World Cup Round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo, England striker Harry Kane was involved in a play which could have potentially been awarded a penalty.
However, after VAR involvement, the referee decided against a penalty, which sent viewers, pundits, former players, and the soccer world in general into a heated debate.
First, let’s start with the the play:
The reactions to the call did not take long.
Former England striker Alan Shearer (as captured by London Now) said a penalty should have been awarded and that, “DR Congo got away with one.”
The Daily Star also captured some of Shearer’s comments on the topic.”There is contact, there is no doubt. For me that is a penalty. Kane may have made the most of it but the keeper has come out and his hands are there.” In the half-time discussion, former player Micah Richards expressed his belief that it was a penalty, something that former England national team goalkeeper seconded. Former striker Wayne Rooney, on the other hand, disagreed with that assessment, calling the referee’s decision, “the right one.”
Football Insider published former FIFA referee Keith Hackett condemning the decision, and expressing understanding the fans’ disappointment.
Finally, The Sun showed us some English fans reactions, showing them extremely angry at the decision.
This decision will most assuredly be one of the most talked about topics of today’s World Cup matchday and will continue to generate discussion during the upcoming days.
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