Real Madrid star was denied a penalty in France’s opening World Cup match against Senegal in controversial circumstances
Kylian Mbappé was denied a penalty (Image: BBC)
Kylian Mbappé caused controversy when he was denied what appeared to be an obvious penalty kick in France’s opening match against Senegal at the World Cup. Didier Deschamps’ side began their Group I campaign in New Jersey on Tuesday night.
Following Senegal’s strong start, France were in a good position to break the deadlock before the interval. As Mbappe charged into the Senegal box, he collided with former Liverpool star Sadio Mane and collapsed.
However, referee Alireza Fagani initially dismissed the penalty appeal before the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened. He was then advised to review the incident on a pitchside monitor, but chose not to award the spot-kick.
Former Premier League assistant Darren Cann, consulted by the BBC, was confident a penalty would be awarded.
“For me, this is a penalty,” he said. “This will be checked by VAR. There was no contact with the ball for me and he beat Mbappé.”
However, Fagani addressed the crowd and said that no foul had been committed as Mbappé had “initiated contact”.
Fagani initially appeared to be pointing to the spot, but no penalty was awarded.
New York’s New Jersey Stadium echoed with loud cheers from French fans who thought they had been awarded a penalty, but instead Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was given a goal-kick, much to Mbappé’s surprise.
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BBC co-commentator Alan Shearer couldn’t believe the decision.
“I don’t understand. I see Mane lunging and his left foot catches Mbappé,” he said. “How can you initiate contact when Mbappe is right in front of you? It’s really strange.”
Can, on the other hand, slammed the decision, adding, “Honestly, I can’t support the referee’s decision. For me, it’s a clear penalty.”
“My phone exploded with messages from some of the best referees in the world who couldn’t understand why a penalty wasn’t awarded.”
The former World Cup final assistant referee added: “It was very clear to me and I’m very surprised he didn’t point to the spot after a proper VAR review.”
Mbappé then put France ahead with a stunning finish from an assist from Michael Oliseh. Les Bleus stepped up from there and won 3-1, with Mbappé scoring twice.
With his 58th goal for his country, the Real Madrid star moved level with Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer.
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