Confusion after VAR gifts Argentina a soft, early penalty against Saudi Arabia

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‘The consistency is a JOKE’: Fans rage as VAR awards Argentina a soft early penalty against Saudi Arabia…despite England not getting a penalty for an almost IDENTICAL foul on Harry Maguire against Iran

VAR was again criticized during the World Cup after Argentina were awarded a penalty against Saudi Arabia in an incident very similar to the one denied to England yesterday.

England fans outraged on Monday after Harry Maguire appeared to be dragged down and hugged to the ground by Iranian defender Roozbeh Cheshmi.

However, the Brazilian referee Raphael Claus did not intervene and after a short VAR check nothing was given and the referees waved on.

Lionel Messi scored an early penalty for Argentina against Saudi Arabia from the spot

It came after Leandro Paredes (bottom left) appeared to be dragged into the box by Mohamed Kanno

Kanno held Paredes and seemingly pulled the Argentine midfielder to the ground

Paredes was left on the ground in an incident very similar to Harry Maguire in England’s match with Iran

Leandro Paredes was pulled to the ground from a free-kick in Argentina’s Group C against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday in almost identical fashion to Monday’s Maguire incident.

The ball was cleared but the Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic was summoned to the VAR monitor.

After a brief look at the penalty appeal, Vincic changed his decision and awarded a penalty to the Argentines.

Lionel Messi shot the ball home from the spot and put his team ahead after just 10 minutes.

Former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison was furious at the decision’s lack of consistency after England’s cries for a penalty were rejected yesterday.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Morrison said: ‘The consistency so far in the World Cup has been a joke.

“Harry Maguire’s yesterday was much worse. I’m struggling with that penalty.

England fans were furious at not conceding a penalty in their game against Iran

Harry Maguire appeared to be dragged to the ground by Iran defender Roozbeh Cheshmi

However, despite appearing to be hugged by Cheshmi, referee Raphael Claus did not intervene and after a brief VAR check nothing was given and the referees waved play on.

England centre-back Maguire couldn’t believe he hadn’t won an early penalty for his side

“There is contact, but not much contact. It’s just the consistency.’

There was further VAR controversy in the first half when both Messi and Lautaro Martinez had goals disallowed for offside, with Martinez’s in particular looking extremely tight.

Martinez then had a second goal disallowed, but the Argentinian striker was clearly offside on that occasion.

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