By Akpera Nase
Argentina’s dramatic victory over Egypt in the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA Men’s World Cup was marred by controversy over alleged biased refereeing.
Soccer fans around the globe are angry at the referee’s decisions, which were considered to reflect double standards in the disqualification of Egypt. The cancellation of Egypt’s third goal triggered a backlash from fans and supporters who felt Egypt had been openly robbed on the pitch.
Voicesports captured the reactions of some soccer pundits who expressed their dissatisfaction with how Egypt was robbed of victory against Argentina in broad daylight.
According to Didier Drogba, “Argentina may have won the decisive match against Egypt, but the officiating will remain a major talking point. The challenge on Mohamed Salah before Argentina’s winning goal should have been reviewed, just as Egypt’s goal was reviewed and ruled out. Football should be decided by fair and consistent decisions, not by controversial moments that leave fans questioning the result.”
Reacting, Patrice Evra said, “Egypt has been robbed. I don’t care what people say, but for me Egypt has been robbed. Football is becoming too sterile. The Egyptian player wins the ball, they break forward, he scores a brilliant goal, and then somebody spends two minutes looking for a tiny reason to cancel it.
VAR was introduced to correct clear mistakes, not to erase great football moments. Today it feels like they searched for a reason to save Argentina. If that goal had been allowed, nobody would talk about a foul. That’s the reality. Egypt outworked Argentina and outfought them, and now Argentina have to deal with disappointment as well. When a smaller nation finally hurts a giant and the goal is taken away like that, people will always ask questions. For me, Egypt was very unlucky today.”
Also reacting, former France international and Arsenal of England legend Thierry Henry stated that, “Argentina eliminated Egypt from the FIFA World Cup. For me, this feels like football robbery in broad daylight. I am not taking anything away from Argentina’s quality because they have world-class players, but I don’t think they deserved to win this match against Egypt. Egypt defended with courage, attacked with confidence, and earned every bit of the advantage.
The turning point, in my opinion, was the refereeing. I don’t agree with the penalty that was awarded to Argentina earlier in the game. And after that, it felt as though every important decision was going against Egypt. Whether people agree or disagree, those moments changed the rhythm of the match and gave Argentina the momentum they desperately needed.”
