Croatia denied ‘clearest penalty you will see’ during Morocco clash

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Croatia were left fuming after they were denied a penalty in the second half of the World Cup third place play-off against Morocco on Saturday. Defender Josko Gvardiol was convinced he was fouled by Sofyan Amrabat in the Croatia 18-yard box but VAR did not overturn the decision.

The score was 2-1 to the Croatians at the time of the incident thanks to first-half goals from Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic. Morocco had equalised through Achraf Dari before Orsic restored Croatia’s lead just before half-time with a stunning curling effort.

Having already found the net, centre-back Gvardiol looked set to make it a brace with just under 20 minutes of normal time remaining. However, as he was about to pull the trigger, he fell down under a challenge from Amrabat.

Referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim waved away Gvardiol’s vociferous claims of a spot-kick. VAR looked at the incident but did not recommend Al-Jassim to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, despite replays showing Gvardiol was clearly caught.

BBC commentator Steve Wilson was alongside ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy in the gantry. And Wilson described it as one of the clearest penalties he has seen not given.

He said: “That’s a penalty. Well I’m sorry Danny if VAR aren’t going to pick up on that then I don’t know why they’re there because that is the clearest penalty that you will see.

“That’s extraordinary. That’s one of the worst decisions that you could hope to see. Or hope not to see.

“I’ll be interested to hear what our defenders and strikers in the studio make of that, they may have different views on it. But it looked a penalty to me.”

Former England star Danny Murphy commented: “100 per cent agree. Do you know why he didn’t give it? Because when he put his foot down he tried to go on another yard and then he went over. Maybe that is the reason.

“But it is a foul, it’s enough of a foul. If he had been more elaborate he would have got the penalty. But I agree with you, penalty.”

MORE TO FOLLOW

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport

Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.

We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.

Source: Read Full Article