England's Word Cup preparations saw them take on Italy tonight in Wembley. Jamie Vardy gave Gareth Southgate's side an early lead until Lorenzo Insigne converted a controversial late penalty to tie the game. It finished 1-1.
The penalty was a contended call as it was awarded by VAR after a James Tarkowski challenge in the box.
As with every VAR decision lately, the call proved bothersome for many.
They need to get rid of this VAR before it comes in. Absolute shambles
— Charlie Adam (@Charlie26Adam) March 27, 2018
What a farce this VAR is. Complete shambles.
— Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) March 27, 2018
2018 World Cup.
Let give some poor referees from poor leagues. Let’s give them an alien technology. Get them to train a few weeks for it.
Then put them under the most intense pressure. What could possibly go wrong?#VAR
🙈— Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) March 27, 2018
VAR. It's almost as if referees make worse decisions when they have more time to review them.
— Graham Ruthven (@grahamruthven) March 27, 2018
Not a Little Englander observation but that VAR decision was a nonsense. No context to the decision - this will ruin the World Cup.
— Michael Calvin💙 (@CalvinBook) March 27, 2018
An opinion replaces a different opinion, with a delay while a man watches television. This is surely not the point of VAR
— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) March 27, 2018
VAR will be a lot of fun at the World Cup. 😬
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 27, 2018
VAR is the worst thing to happen to football since Owen Coyle
— Greg Farrimond (@GregFarrimond) March 27, 2018
Another VAR shambles. Never a penalty.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) March 27, 2018
Just when you thought you were going to do a nice, positive post match show. Give me strength. #var @5liveSport
— Mark Chapman (@markchapman) March 27, 2018
Don’t talk to me about VAR! How on earth is that clear and obvious? #ENGITA
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) March 27, 2018
The penalty was delayed even further after Walker found himself embroiled in a melee but eventually Butland was unable to save despite guessing correct.
When asked after the game whether it was a penalty as far as he was concerned, Tarkowski laughed and responded: "it never is." It was confirmed earlier this month that VAR will be utilised during the World Cup this summer, which ensures controversy like this will not inspire confidence.
