Ghana head coach, Otto Addo has criticised the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for awarding Cristiano Ronaldo a soft penalty following his side World Cup 3-2 defeat to Portugal on Thursday.
Recall that Ronaldo was brought down by defender, Mohammed Salisu in the second half during the encounter, which he coolly converted to give Portugal the lead.
However, reacting to the penalty, Addo stated that the referee was quick to award Ronaldo the penalty.
He also questioned the inability of the VAR to view the incident before the penalty was awarded.
“The referee gave a penalty which wasn’t a penalty – everyone saw that. Why? Because it is Ronaldo or something?” Addo told beIN Sport.
“I think you’ve to ask the referee. I have no proof of that. We were playing the ball and then there was contact,” Addo added at his post-match press conference when asked if he believed the foul was given because it was Ronaldo.
“I don’t know whether they weren’t paying or whether the VAR wasn’t paying attention.
“If you look at the replay, we played the ball, it was actually a foul against us.
“If somebody scores a goal, congratulations. But this was really a gift.
“Up to the penalty, everything was possible. Then the game got a little bit wild.”
Ghana’s next match is against South Korea on Monday.
5 Comments
It’s a shame. I have looked at that penalty decision several times and not in a million years will that be a penalty. I don’t have any evidence to say because it’s Ronaldo but obviously something went wrong. If only the VAR team had done their work, that decision would’ve been reversed without thinking twice. I’m not saying Ghana cannot lose to Portugal but it’s sad to put in so much effort and one moment of lazy refereeing erodes all that effort, especially with the introduction of all the technology. It’s not as if the Ghana players did not protest, especially Salisu. He was seen visibly telling the referee to check with VAR, but was snubbed. This is injustice and not good for Africa.
That was a Clear Penalty DO not foul a GOAT simple. @Yaw stop being a Sore loser, Shebi una dey talk say Portugal Go chop Wotowoto. Una Eye go clear very soon LOOOOOOOOOOOL!!1. No worry Uruguay dey press ups dey wait una. Kumasi Airport is around the corner. Make una do and come back to Africa. Abeg No Vauwlence just stating Facts LOOL!!
The time for Ghana to come back is here.just come back for bein’cheated’ lol. If I were Ghana I would have Come back immediately after the match. Where were you when South Africa was openly robbed for you? It hurts I think?
I think the penalty which was given to Christiano Ronaldo was a gift.So they have to question the reffing and VAR
It’s indeed a wonderful competition,we are indeed enjoying the world cup,but I believe the upsets in this years world cup will be astonishing,but we will wait to see the end of this tournament, thanks.