Kylian Mbappe, the captain of the French national team, missed a crucial penalty during the quarterfinal match against Morocco, which took place in Boston. The incident occurred in the 28th minute when referee Facundo Tello from Argentina delayed the penalty kick execution for over three minutes, causing significant controversy.
The foul committed by Noussair Mazraoui against Mbappe was evident, yet the lengthy wait before the penalty was taken raised eyebrows. Ultimately, Mbappe’s shot was weak and easily saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Bono.
Roy Keane Critiques the Delay
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane labeled the delay as “unfair,” while FOX Sports referee analyst Dr. Joe Machnik suggested that the situation “should have been clarified much more quickly.” Keane expressed his frustration, stating, “It is unfair to have to wait over three minutes. Time is the enemy of an attacker, and the advantage shifts to the goalkeeper and the team that committed the foul.”
“The longer you wait to take a penalty, the more you start to doubt what you’re going to do. However, this stuttering penalty approach seems to be in vogue now, and it appears goalkeepers have learned the secret already,” Ian Wright commented.
Fans Accuse Organizers of Fixing Matches
Social media erupted with criticism of the officiating, particularly given that the match featured a referee team entirely comprised of Argentine officials, a first for this tournament. Fans expressed their suspicions regarding the delay:
- “Why did the referee delay the penalty so much? It’s rigged!”
- “They set a trap with that delay.”
- “The referee deliberately delayed it. This match is driving me crazy.”
- “Wow, that delay must have been arranged!”
- “This is so rigged! They’re doing everything they can for France to lose! What was up with that penalty delay?”
This isn’t the first time fans have alleged match-fixing during the World Cup. Following Egypt’s 2-3 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16, players and coaches from Egypt echoed similar sentiments, leading to the Egyptian Football Association filing a formal complaint with FIFA to expel the referees involved from the tournament.
