BBC One aired unseen footage featuring Harry Kane at half-time of England vs Argentina, which left Wayne Rooney furious about one of the Argentina players.
Leandro Paredes objected to Harry Kane covering his mouth while speaking to referee Ismail Elfus
Wayne Rooney has called Argentina player Leandro Paredes “ridiculous” for trying to send off England captain Harry Kane during the World Cup semi-final. The BBC showed footage of Kane covering his mouth while talking to referee Ismail Elfus at half-time, with Paredes attempting to send him off.
Two players have already been sent off for covering their mouths at this summer’s tournament. However, in both cases, it was done while facing an opposing player.
Miguel Almiron made his first start for Paraguay against Turkey. Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie did the same when he played against Mexico.
Explaining the difference, BBC presenter Mark Chapman said: “The rule is that you put your hand over your mouth and say something to another player. It looked like he was saying something to the referee.”
Joe Hart called Paredes’ actions “pathetic.” He said Kane was “talking to the referee and trying to be clear. It’s very difficult to communicate outside.”
“Harry Kane is just trying to have a private conversation with the referee. Of course I know they’re going to do everything they can to win this game, but come on, we need to score more goals and win the game.”
Wayne Rooney wasn’t happy with Leandro Paredes (Image: BBC)
Rooney then commented: “I think it’s ridiculous.” However, he was satisfied with England’s defense in the first half and admitted that “Lionel Messi will have a chance in this game.”
“We defended really well. We were strong and put our bodies behind the ball. I think the next step is to see if we can take the ball away from Argentina and dominate the ball a little bit more.”
Hart singled out Elliott Anderson for his praise. “I love how the England players reacted and took the fight. Anderson chased Messi, a great man, all over the field and didn’t give an inch,” he said.
“Obviously he had his moments, but that set the tone. That’s exactly what you need in a game like this. You have to stand up for yourself.”
Regarding the match as a whole, he added: “Argentina were keen not to worry about their rhythm and were very aggressive and forward from the first minutes. England had chances and looked threatening, but it was a very close game.”
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