Rio Ferdinand and Alan Shearer agree over ‘disgraceful’ VAR call

Senegal train ahead of World Cup clash against England

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BBC pundits Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand agreed that the VAR decision to award Argentina a penalty in their final World Cup group stage clash with Poland as “disgraceful” before Lionel Messi missed his spot kick. Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was adjudged to have fouled the Paris Saint-Germain star in the box, but spectacularly saved from the Argentine captain to keep the game goalless.

The Polish stopper attempted to claim a cross before Messi headed over, and made contact with the 35-year-old as he brushed the forward’s face which prompted VAR to recommend the referee to look at the monitor before awarding a penalty.

Ferdinand was not happy with the call that VAR made in the first half. “It’s disgraceful Gary [Lineker],” Ferdinand said during the BBC’s coverage. “This isn’t what VAR was brought in for, he flicks his eyelash for starters and the fact he’s gone over to look at it is an outrageous decision that’s been made, he’s barely touched him.”

Shearer echoed Ferdinand’s sentiments. “Never, ever a penalty,” the former Newcastle and England man added. “I mean can you imagine when they brought VAR in and told us it’s just to clear up clear and obvious, and they are not going to re-referee the game. I mean that’s never a pen. You have got four guys here who think exactly the same.”

Szczesny dived to his left and made a stunning save to deny Messi however, prompting fans to describe the moment as justice due to the contentious nature of the decision to call a foul.

However Poland’s joy turned to despair as they conceded shortly after half-time to Brighton playmaker Alexis Mac Allister. Juventus winger Angel Di Maria dribbled down the right before sending a low cross into the box that was met by Mac Allister who sent his strike past  Szczesny.

Poland were given a boost minutes after they conceded however, as Mexico took the lead against Saudi Arabia in the other game in Group C and then doubled their advantage.

Mexico moved level on points with Poland, but need to overturn a significant goal difference disadvantage in order to progress to the knock-out stage.

Saudi Arabia however could send Poland home should they come back and defeat Mexico, otherwise Robert Lewandowski and co could still face France in the next round despite defeat to Argentina.

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