Controversial No-Penalty Call in England vs. Ghana World Cup Draw
In a 2026 World Cup group stage match ending 0-0, England defender Ezri Konsa tackled Ghana midfielder Prince Adu in the box without touching the ball, but no penalty was awarded and VAR did not intervene. Pundits Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, and former referee Darren Cann all deemed it a clear penalty. Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz sarcastically questioned VAR's absence. FIFA's higher VAR intervention threshold, set by referees chief Pierluigi Collina, was cited as the likely reason for the non-review, sparking debate over officiating standards.
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Tuchel says England 'got away' with penalty as Ghana manager fumes at VAR in World Cup draw
England's goalless World Cup draw with Ghana was overshadowed by a controversial penalty decision. Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz sarcastically joked that VAR 'went for a coffee' after Ezri Konsa tackled Prince Kwabena Adu in the box without touching the ball, with no penalty awarded. The incident was compounded by an offside flag against another Ghana player. Former England striker Ian Wright and ex-defender Gary Neville both admitted England were fortunate, with Neville calling it a 'certain definite penalty'. Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann also stated the challenge should have been reviewed on pitch. England manager Thomas Tuchel, while acknowledging the team didn't create enough, denied the result was a 'wake-up call', insisting the squad remains fully committed.
Mirror - FootballRooney and BBC Referee Expert Say England's Konsa Should Have Conceded Penalty Against Ghana
Wayne Rooney and BBC referee expert Darren Cann criticized a missed penalty call during England's dull draw with Ghana. Late in the match, England defender Ezri Konsa lunged with both feet off the ground, colliding with Ghana's Prince Adu without touching the ball. The referee did not award a penalty, and VAR did not intervene. Rooney, commenting for the BBC, stated it was a clear penalty and that Konsa took a huge risk by getting the man, not the ball. Cann, a former World Cup final assistant referee, agreed, noting Konsa was out of control and the tackle was a penalty. Cann added that referees in the tournament tend to stick with the on-field decision. The incident sparked debate over England's fortune in the match.
虎扑 - 足球Former Referee: Konsa Tackle on Ghana Forward Should Have Been Penalty in England Draw
In a World Cup group stage match between England and Ghana that ended 0-0, a controversial incident occurred in the 79th minute when England defender Konsa slid in to challenge Ghana forward Prince Addo in the box, bringing him down without touching the ball. Neither the on-field referee nor VAR awarded a penalty. Former English assistant referee Darren Cann, who officiated the 2010 World Cup final, stated on BBC One that England 'got away with one' and that it was clearly a penalty. Cann analyzed that Konsa was airborne, lost control of his body, and directly took down the attacker. Regarding VAR's inaction, Cann explained that this World Cup's officiating trend favors upholding the initial on-field decision unless there is an extremely obvious error, citing a recent Argentina match where a decision was overturned as a rare exception.
虎扑 - 足球VAR Controversy: Should Ghana Have Had Penalty Against England in World Cup Draw?
England and Ghana played a goalless draw in a 2026 World Cup match, but controversy arose over a late challenge by England defender Ezri Konsa on Ghana midfielder Prince Kwabena Adu. Replays showed Konsa caught Adu on the knee without touching the ball, yet no penalty was awarded and VAR did not intervene. Ghana manager Carlo Queiroz sarcastically questioned whether VAR was still working, calling it a clear penalty and red card. BBC pundits Wayne Rooney and Micah Richards agreed it should have been a spot-kick. The article explains that FIFA's head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, has set a higher threshold for VAR intervention at this World Cup, allowing more physical play before reviewing incidents. Former assistant referee Darren Cann stated the wrong decision was made and that Konsa's tackle was 'out of control.'
BBC SportShould Ghana have been awarded a penalty against England?
The article discusses a controversial moment during a 2026 World Cup match between England and Ghana, which ended in a goalless draw. With about 10 minutes left, Ghana's Prince Adu was brought down in the box by England defender Ezri Konsa, who made no contact with the ball and caught Adu on the knee. No penalty was given, and VAR did not intervene. BBC pundits Wayne Rooney and Micah Richards both stated it should have been a penalty. The article explains that FIFA's higher threshold for VAR interventions at this World Cup, as directed by referees chief Pierluigi Collina, likely prevented a review. Former assistant referee Darren Cann also believed it was a clear penalty.
BBC Sport