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Why Harry Kane wasn't given penalty kick in controversial decision in England-DR Congo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
England got down early against the Congo, and the Three Lions seemed ready to tie the game upon a controversial call late in the first half.
Harry Kane appeared ready to bury England's first goal of the game but Congo held him off the board with a physical defensive play. Both Congo's defender and goalkeeper defended Kane on the play, but it seemed like Kane would have been awarded a penalty kick.
However, the referee didn't award England a penalty kick, to the disbelief of not only Kane but the entire England team.
The play meant that England ended the half without a goal and facing a 1-0 deficit despite being the heavy favorite in the match. Here's why Kane wasn't awarded a penalty kick.
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Why Harry Kane wasn't given penalty kick
The referee seemed to determine that Kane dove on the play as the English striker tried to draw a penalty kick in the box. Instead, the ref gave Congo a free kick as England was denied the opportunity to try and tie the game.
Kane completely disagreed with the decision, but the referee determined that Kane flopped too hard on the play.
VAR didn't review the play, which meant that the play stood as it was called on the field.
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VAR rules at World Cup
VAR, or Video Assisted Replay, is used to review calls on the field that may need a second look. That includes plays like offsides, fouls in the box, and red cards.
In order for VAR to be used, VAR has to ask the head referee to review the play on the field, which would then signal the replay system.
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