A heated debate emerged during England’s last-32 clash against DR Congo regarding a potential penalty for Harry Kane. Late in the first half, the England captain bypassed goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi but ended up on the turf after contact.
Referee Adham Makhadmeh dismissed the claim, suggesting Kane had simulated the fall, though he chose not to issue a caution. The decision remained unchanged after a VAR review, leaving England trailing by Brian Cipenga’s early goal, despite Kane scoring two later in the match.
Expert opinion was heavily divided. Former official Darren Cann noted that the VAR panel was split, making it difficult to overturn the original call. While Wayne Rooney argued that Kane initiated the contact himself, other pundits like Joe Hart, Micah Richards, and Steph Houghton contended that the challenge should have resulted in a spot-kick. Paul Robinson emphasized that while the striker was clever in creating the collision, the contact was undeniable and warranted a penalty.
