World Cup fans scream ‘justice’ as Lionel Messi misses penalty

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World Cup fans felt justice was done while watching Argentina against Poland after Wojciech Szczesny saved Lionel Messi’s penalty following a controversial call from VAR. It was still all to play for in Group C heading into the final round of group matches and Argentina needed three points to keep destiny in their own hands.

Poland hadn’t conceded a single goal in their opening two fixtures though and were going to prove formidable opponents for Messi’s Argentina. With Robert Lewandowski up front, Poland would also provide some threat going forward.

But the opening 45 minutes saw Argentina dominate possession with Julian Alvarez and Angel Di Maria causing Poland problems. Their best chance though came in fortuitous circumstances after Szczesny was adjudged to have fouled Messi with a flailing hand.

The referee originally waved away protests from Argentina players for a penalty, but VAR urged the official to go over to the screen to take another look at the incident. Danny Murphy on commentary for BBC was convinced the referee would stick to his guns and not point to the spot.

But, to the dismay of many and delight of Argentina fans, the referee overturned his decision and gave a penalty. Messi was given the responsibility to step up, but he had his effort saved tremendously by the Poland goalkeeper.

And fans watching on felt “justice” was done with Messi’s penalty being saved.

@LJxmes tweeted: “That’s justice, that was NEVER a penalty.”

@TheOfficialFNG wrote: “JUSTICE, are you sick that was one of the worst penalty calls i’ve seen.”

@HLTCO posted: “Shambolic decision to award the penalty in the first place. Justice done.”

@RealTimVine said: “That is NEVER a penalty. Absolute shocker. The ref has been intimidated by the players and the crowd. Oooh…he missed. Justice.”

The feeling was mutual in the BBC studio with Gary Lineker, Rio Ferdinand and Alan Shearer furious at the decision. “It’s a disgraceful decision,” Ferdinand said.

“This isn’t what VAR has been brought in for. He’s flicked his eyelash for starters and the fact he’s gone over to look at it I think is an outrageous decision.

“It’s never, ever a penalty,” Shearer added. “Can you remember when VAR was brought in and they said it’s just clear up the clear and obvious and they’re not going to re-referee the games.

“We keep saying that but that’s never a pen.”

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