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It was a decision that shocked the best referees in the world.
France forward Kylian Mbappe was on the attack against Senegal when he went down in the box after a challenge from Sadio Mane in the 58th minute.
With the game goalless at the New York New Jersey Stadium, referee Alireza Faghni was sent to the pitchside monitor to watch the challenge again.
He returned to the pitch and was seen pointing towards the penalty spot, much to the delight of the thousands of France fans inside the ground.
However, their joy was short-lived as Faghani actually signaled for a goal kick, before explaining that Mbappe had initiated the contact.
Speaking on BBC One, Darren Cann – assistant referee at the 2010 World Cup final – said: “My phone has blown up with messages from the best referees in the world who can’t even understand why a penalty wasn’t awarded.”
Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, branded it a “rubbish decision”.
“Absolute nonsense,” added Nevin.
“No chance. How did he (Mbappé) initiate contact? The most absurd line I’ve ever heard.”
Speaking on BBC One, former England captain Alan Shearer said it was a “strange” decision not to award the penalty.
“I don’t understand,” Shearer added. “You see Mané lunge and catch Mbappe on his left foot.
“How does Mbappe initiate contact when he’s in front of him? It’s weird, it really is.”
