Anthony Taylor, a former Premier League and World Cup referee, was broadcast live on TV after mistaking his own VAR review following FIFA’s blunder. Television cameras were installed next to the pitchside monitors at Canada’s Toronto stadium and the Manchester-born official could be heard talking to colleagues at the VAR hub.
The 47-year-old had a busy afternoon overseeing the group stage decider between Senegal and Iraq. The African Cup of Nations champions needed a convincing win to improve their chances of progressing to the knockout stages with a third place route, but they had already suffered a goal and a red card within the first 10 minutes.
Iraqi defender Levin Sulaka was initially given a yellow card for knocking down former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane as he burst towards goal. However, Taylor escalated the penalty to a red card after checking a pitchside screen.
Spectators were given an unprecedented glimpse into the interaction between video assistant referees, replay directors and referees in the central hub. Taylor can be heard saying: “Is there a player on the far side who goes to the ball? Play for me. Then, with the next touch with the attacker, a touch forward, he shoots on goal, right?”
“The player on the far side does not approach the ball before shooting.” He then announced his verdict on the PA system, saying: “After consideration, Iraq’s number two committed a deliberate holding offense, denying a clear scoring opportunity. There were no defenders to cover, so my final decision is a red card.”
In the second half, Senegal took full advantage of their numerical advantage against Iraq. Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead before Pape Gueye’s goal put the result in doubt, before Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye opened the scoring with eight minutes remaining.
The big 5-goal victory increased the goal difference to +2, earned them their first points, and moved them from 3rd place to 5th place.
The result puts added pressure on Scotland, who lost 3-0 to Brazil, leaving their hopes of reaching the World Cup final one step closer. Steve Clarke’s side desperately need results elsewhere if they are to sneak into the last 32 and reach the finals of the prestigious tournament for the first time.
However, Senegal’s resounding victory means Scotland are now out of the top eight and behind Algeria, who face Austria at 3am on Sunday.
