‘The consistency has been a JOKE’: VAR comes under fire AGAIN as officials gifts Argentina a soft early penalty against Saudi Arabia… despite England not being given a spot kick for an almost IDENTICAL foul on Harry Maguire against Iran
VAR has come under fire again at the World Cup after Argentina were awarded a soft penalty against Saudi Arabia – despite England being denied one in a nearly identical situation during their 6-2 win over Iran on Monday.
England fans fumed on Monday after the Three Lions were not awarded a spot kick despite Harry Maguire appearing to be dragged down by Iranian defender Roozbeh Cheshmi and bear-hugged to the ground.
However, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus didn’t intervene and, after a short VAR check, nothing was given and the officials waved play on.
Lionel Messi scored an early penalty for Argentina against Saudi Arabia from the spot
It came after Leandro Paredes (bottom left) appeared to be dragged down in the box by Mohamed Kanno
Kanno was holding Paredes and seemingly pulled the Argentinian midfielder to the floor
Paredes was left on the ground in an incident that was extremely similar to Harry Maguire in England’s game with Iran
On Tuesday, in Argentina’s Group C clash with Saudi Arabia, Leandro Paredes was seemingly pulled to the floor from a free-kick in a very similar manner to the Maguire incident on Monday.
The ball was cleared but Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic was summoned over to the VAR monitor.
Following a short look at the penalty appeal, Vincic changed his decision and awarded a penalty to the Argentinians.
Lionel Messi tucked the ball home from the spot to send his side into an early lead after just 10 minutes – before the Argentines were stunned by a second half fight-back from the Saudis, who pulled off an incredible 2-1 win.
Former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison was fuming at the lack of consistency of the decision after England’s shouts for a spot kick were denied yesterday.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Morrison said: ‘The consistency so far in the World Cup has been a joke.
England fans were left fuming by not being awarded a penalty in their game with Iran
Harry Maguire appeared to be dragged down to the floor by Iran defender Roozbeh Cheshmi
However, despite appearing to be bear-hugged by Cheshmi, referee Raphael Claus didn’t intervene and, after a short VAR check, nothing was given and the officials waved play on
England centre back Maguire couldn’t believe he hadn’t won an early penalty for his side
‘The Harry Maguire one from yesterday was much worse. I am struggling with that penalty.
‘There is contact, but there isn’t loads of contact. It is just the consistency.’
There was further VAR controversy in the first half when both Messi and Lautaro Martinez had goals ruled out offside, with Martinez’s in particular looking extremely tight.
Martinez then had a second goal ruled out but the Argentinian striker was clearly offside on that occasion.