MIKE DEAN has hit out at the “indefensible” awarding of Portugal’s penalty against Ghana and suggested a VAR glitch may be responsible.
Cristiano Ronaldo went down under a challenge from Mohammed Salisu as Portugal fought to find their way through a stubborn Ghana team.
He was judged to have been fouled by the Southampton defender and referee Ismail Elfath awarded a penalty.
The 37-year-old converted the spot kick to make World Cup history.
But controversy followed the awarding of the pen and many believed Salisu had won the ball cleanly.
Former Premier League referee Dean was among those who were astonished at the “scary” decision.
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He told BEIN Sports: “The defender clearly plays the ball. Ronaldo then touches the back of the defender, goes down, instigated contact.
“It’s not the referee’s fault – he’s given the decision on the field of play. The VAR, in my opinion, should have got involved and invited the referee over to have a look at it.
“It’s scary, I have to say. I’m just astounded. I like to back referees all the time but you can’t support stuff like that. You can’t defend the indefensible.”
Ghana’s manager was left fuming over the penalty.
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Otto Addo said Ronaldo had received “special gifts from the referees” as he lamented the defeat.
Ronaldo’s opener came after the hour mark and set Portugal on the road to victory – but it was far from straightforward.
But debate continued to rage about the decision after the game.
Dean, who is still involved with VAR but retired from on-field duties, added: “It should have been overturned. He should have gone to the screen, he should have looked at it.
“There may have been some technical glitch that we don’t know about. I just can’t understand why he wasn’t sent to the screen. 100 per cent it’s wrong.”
Victory sets Portugal up nicely in group H ahead of their next game against Uruguay.
Meanwhile Ghana will now need to get something off South Korea to remain in the World Cup.
