England fans furious as Three Lions 'robbed' of an early penalty

‘How is that not a penalty?!’: Livid England fans insist Harry Maguire was ‘robbed’ of an early spot kick in their World Cup opener against Iran… after the Man United star was ‘bear hugged’ to the ground just minutes in

  • Harry Maguire appeared to be dragged down in the box by Roozbeh Cheshmi 
  • Despite a VAR check nothing was given and the referee waved play on
  • England fans were furious that the Three Lions weren’t awarded a spot kick 
  • Follow Sportsmail’s live coverage of England’s group opener against Iran 
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England fans were left bemused by the failure to award the Three Lions a penalty just four minutes into their World Cup opener with Iran.

England, who went on to hit Iran for three first half goals, had an early corner which was taken by Kieran Trippier and Harry Maguire appeared to be dragged down by Iranian defender Roozbeh Cheshmi.

However, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus didn’t intervene and, after a short VAR check, nothing was given and the officials waved play on.

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

And Three Lions fans were left furious that England weren’t awarded a spot kick.

One said: ‘England robbed of a penalty #ENGIRN.’ 

Another added: ‘Is VAR optional for referees at this World Cup or…?’

A further angry supporter said: ‘How is that not a penalty to England?’ 

In the incident, Chehmi appeared to bear hug Maguire and drag him down, with no intent to look at at the ball.

Supporters were also in total disbelief at the decision not to be given an early penalty

And the sheer audacity of the defending right in front of the referee confused some supporters.

One said: ‘Iran’s defender really bear hugged maguire to the ground.’

Another supporter believed it was a penalty, but did appreciate how Clauss may not have given the decision.

They said: ‘That could’ve EASILY been a penalty. Soft, but penalty. Maguire having his arm around the defender’s shoulder probably saved him.’ 




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