Just as it seemed that Croatia had gotten a decisive foothold in their first World Cup final, Ivan Perisic - the all-important goalscorer as they leveled things up - was deemed to have handled the ball in his box.
After a lengthy consultation with the VAR, the match referee opted for the decision very few wanted - penalty to France.
Perisic’s hand is coming down from his jump. He’s literally a foot or two behind when the ball is flicked on. He doesn’t react to the ball, he doesn’t try to make himself bigger, the ball hits his hand. Absolute joke.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) July 15, 2018
They got the worst ref at the #WorldCup to officiate the final. Oh, FIFA.
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) July 15, 2018
Can you imagine if that VAR pen decides this #WorldCuoFinal
— 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 (@Towno10) July 15, 2018
Everyone should be happy. All hoped a one-man Argentina team would win this World Cup.
— Owen Cowzer (@OCowzer) July 15, 2018
2-1 to VAR.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 15, 2018
Well-converted by Antoine Griezmann, France's brief period under the cosh came to an end quicker than expected. Although a few half-chances came Croatia's way in the remainder of the half, it was Didier Deschamps' men that went in ahead.
Speaking on ITV, Roy Keane admitted he was "disgusted" with the decision, and believed Croatia would be heartbroken over having had such a decision go against him.
Under the impression that such things shouldn't happen in the "greatest sport in the world," Keane targeted his scorn on the referee. While his co-pundit Lee Dixon credited the referee with going through the correct process, they were collectively astounded with the result.
For Keane, the answer was simple; "That referee has never played football, guarantee you ... I bet you he has never played football."
Roy Keane has made sure ITV win the punditry wars. “This idiot” on the ref.
— John Brewin (@JohnBrewin_) July 15, 2018
You can have a look at the incident below and decide for yourself.
The referee has gone to Var to take a look at the Ivan Perisic handball. But was it accidental?
PENALTY - the ref has awarded the penalty
Updates: https://t.co/6Xl4rm9N4W pic.twitter.com/L77qLkUvkA— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 15, 2018
