FOOTBALL fans were left furious after England conceded a controversial penalty against North Macedonia on Monday.
With the score still at 0-0 in the 40th minute, the hosts were awarded a spot kick for a foul on Bojan Miovski.
Channel 4North Macedonia were awarded a controversial penalty after a VAR check[/caption]
ReutersEnis Bardhi scored after missing the initial penalty[/caption]
England defender Rico Lewis, who was making his senior international debut, had made an attempt to head the ball clear following a cross.
However, he appeared to accidentally hit Miovski in the face with his hand while jumping.
Although referee Filip Glova initially dismissed the claims, he was sent to the pitchside monitor to review the incident.
And after a lengthy check, he gave the penalty.
Enis Bardhi took the spot kick, which was saved by Jordan Pickford, but the striker followed up to score the rebound.
Furious fans took to social media to react to the “ludicrous” decision, with one person writing: “That might be the worst penalty decision I’ve ever seen. What .”
Another added: “Ludicrous penalty decision. One that is only given because of VAR. Wasn’t given on field and is only overturned after forensic analysis at the monitor. Rico Lewis essentially penalised for outjumping a player nearly double his size.”
While a third wrote: “That is one of the most absurd penalty decisions I have ever seen. Astounding.”
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Channel 4Harry Maguire avoided giving away a penalty earlier in the game[/caption]
Some former players also commented on the controversy, with Chelsea legend John Terry writing: “Oh my word… How is that a penalty?”
England icon Gary Lineker said: “It’s not important in the slightest, but that’s the most ridiculous penalty decision.”
While ex-Liverpool star Jamie Carragher wrote: “Bizarre these VAR penalties that get given in Europe. What’s more bizarre is they didn’t give the one against Maguire .”
Earlier in the game England defender Harry Maguire was lucky to avoid punishment after tripping Elif Elmas in the penalty area.
Despite having 81 per cent of possession during the first half, the Three Lions found themselves behind at the break.