Viewers swarm to Twitter in outrage after Angel Di Maria wins early Argentina penalty against France

Fans have swarmed to Twitter to have their say after a controversial penalty saw Argentina take the advantage in the heavyweight clash in the World Cup final on Sunday. 

Angel Di Maria won his side a penalty early on in the first half of the World Cup final, after he appeared to be taken down by France’s Ousmane Demebele in the 22nd minute. 

Lionel Messi stepped up to successfully convert the spot kick by sending French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way to give the Albiceleste an early 1-0 lead. 

The referee blew for the foul following what looked like a tackle from Dembele from behind teh Juventus star

Joe Barton was quick to disagree, saying: ‘Never been a penalty.’  

And Piers Morgan was in agreement, claiming: ‘That wasn’t a penalty.’ 

For some fans, the award of the spot kick in the final was just the latest of a stream of penalties given to Argentina. 

One fan wrote: ‘Actually ridiculous at this point when it comes to Argentina and penalties. Never seen something like this before.’

Another added: ‘No way that’s a penalty but I’m not surprised they gave it to Argentina. We all knew how this game was going to go before it even started.’

And a third claimed: ‘How many penalties have Argentina been awarded at this World Cup. Ridiculous decision.’ 

Fans took to Twitter to protest the award of the spot kick with many believing it was a soft penalty

For others it was evidence of an attempt from FIFA to hand Messi further opportunities to score. 

The Argentina captain scored his sixth goal of the competition against France but his fourth from the spot. 

One irate viewer said: ‘No yellow card for absurd foul on Lloris and once again a nice present from the ref. Way to easy given penalty. FIFA-Qatar-Messi golden trio.’

And a second claimed: ‘This obsession FIFA has on your goat is ridiculous!! That wasn’t a penalty, I just checked!!! Again!’ 

Some viewers have claimed that the penalty is part of a growing movement from FIFA to give Messi scoring opportunities

For some, though, there was enough evidence for the penalty to be given, after the Barcelona winger clipped Di Maria. 

Alan Shearer claimed: ‘Who else but Messi !!! Pen was the correct decision.’

And Mark Goldbridge echoed the claim, writing: ‘Soft but a pen for me. Dembele clips him.’