Ghana were left furious after their appeals for a penalty against England were turned down in their World Cup group clash. The Three Lions toiled to a goalless draw on Tuesday night, unable to find a way through after their exhilarating start against Croatia in their opener last week.
Controversial challenge in the 67th minute
A well-drilled and disciplined Ghana side created little but did have opportunities on the counter. In the 67th minute, Eberechi Eze was barged off the ball, allowing the Black Stars to race up the pitch through Prince Kwabena Adu. Ezri Konsa made a last-ditch challenge inside the box, appearing to put enough pressure on the Viktoria Plzen forward to halt his run. But replays suggested the Aston Villa star got none of the ball, instead wrapping his leg around Adu and making contact with his knee.
There was a subsequent scramble for the loose ball with a follow-up effort inadvertently blocked by Ghana's own Antoine Semenyo in front of goal. There was no VAR check with England breathing a sigh of relief.
Ex-referee's verdict
Former Premier League referee Darren Cann, on duty as an analyst for BBC's coverage of the game, believed a spot kick should have been awarded. "We had our hearts in our mouths when we saw Anthony Konsa made that challenge," Cann said. "First and foremost, as an England fan, I'm absolutely delighted that it wasn't given, but I have to be honest. For me, this should have been referred to the referee. Konsa makes no contact at all with the ball. He brings down his opponent. He's airborne, he's out of control, he makes contact with the attacker and no contact with the ball. For me, this is a penalty kick."
Earlier reprieve for England
England had an earlier reprieve when Jordan Pickford raced out of goal with Adu again involved. Both men challenged for the ball just outside the area with Pickford appearing to commit the foul, clattering into the Ghana forward. Referee Said Martinez instead awarded the free kick to England. Cann added: "We've had seven penalties in this World Cup so far. I'm very glad that wasn't an eighth."
