World Cup 2018: VAR controversy as Brazil are denied clear penalty after Vincent Kompany mistimes challenge on Gabriel Jesus
Ref stopped play to consult with the video team but after lengthy pause he told players to get on with the match
BRAZIL were left fuming after they were denied a clear penalty in their World Cup quarter-final defeat to Belgium – despite it being reviewed by VAR.
TV cameras picked up Vincent Kompany clearly mistiming a challenge on Manchester City teammate Gabriel Jesus in the Belgian box.
With the game at 2-0 play was paused by the referee, who went over to the video assistants to see if the penalty should have been awarded.
But after a fairly lengthy review process, the official instructed players to get on with the game.
BBC pundit Danny Murphy couldn’t believe what he was seeing, saying: “The decision I think was wrong. [Kompany] went to ground and he caught [Jesus]. He got away with one.”
Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: “We’ve had a good look at it and we’re not sure how VAR missed it.”
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Alan Shearer said: “I think it is a penalty. H’s just above his ankle and the ball is still in play when he touches him.”
Rio Ferdinand said: “I think it’s a penalty. Kompany was desperate there.”
And people on Twitter were also surprised, with @LuckySam83 saying: “Not sure how the ref didn’t give a penalty for that challenge from Kompany on Gabriel Jesus.
@Distillerymad wrote: “Was certainly a penalty Jesus was fouled by Kompany VAR has had a shocker.”
@Ethan5595 tweeted: “That was definitely a pen! Why is VAR so inconsistent?”
@SeanGL_SFC_5 added: “Very surprised that penalty decision involving Kompany on Jesus wasn’t overturned. Clearly took him out despite the ball going out of play.”
