VAR reignites controversy over Mbappe.

France were denied a penalty in their 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I of the 2026 World Cup on the morning of June 17th.

The French team was displeased after being denied a penalty against Senegal. Photo: Reuters .

The incident occurred midway through the second half when French striker Kylian Mbappe made a speedy run into the Senegal penalty area. In an attempt to stop the French forward, Sadio Mane made a tackle that brought Mbappe down. Immediately, the French players unanimously demanded a penalty.

Initially, referee Alireza Faghani awarded France a corner kick. However, after receiving a signal from the VAR team, the Australian referee was asked to review the situation on a screen outside the pitch.

As Faghani approached the viewing area, many French players and coaching staff believed their team was about to be awarded a penalty.

However, the final decision came as a surprise to everyone. After reviewing multiple camera angles, referee Faghani determined that Mbappe was the one who initiated the collision and did not award France a penalty.

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Even the initial corner kick was cancelled and replaced with a goal kick for Senegal after video footage showed Mane did not touch the ball in the situation.

Mane fouled Mbappe. Photo: Reuters .

The referees' decision immediately sparked controversy. On BBC , former Scotland international Pat Nevin called it an "absurd" decision.

Meanwhile, legend Alan Shearer expressed his bewilderment, arguing that Mane clearly made contact with Mbappe's leg from behind and that it couldn't be said the French striker initiated the collision.

Darren Cann, an assistant referee who officiated the 2010 World Cup final, also expressed a similar view. He affirmed that it was a clear penalty and revealed that many top referees around the world had messaged him to express their bewilderment at Faghani's decision.

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However, France didn't have to regret it for too long. Just minutes after the controversial incident, Mbappe received a delicate through pass from Michael Olise to open the scoring. Bradley Barcola then added another goal before Mbappe completed his brace, playing a major role in helping "Les Bleus" secure all three points in their opening match.

Source: https://znews.vn/var-thoi-bung-tranh-cai-ve-mbappe-post1660378.html