Why was Harry Kane’s penalty not given in England vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash?
(Courtesy : Getty)
Harry Kane had a huge penalty appeal just before half-time in tonight’s match.
England took on DR Congo in their Round of 32 clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Three Lions conceded early through Brian Cipenga, but had a chance to equalise just before the break.
Talismanic forward, Harry Kane, made a darting run to get to the end of a long ball. He shrugged off the pressure from his marker before going down after seemingly being felled by the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi.
However, much to the incredulity of Kane and the entire English bench, referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away any appeals for a penalty. Kane could not believe the decision, and head coach Thomas Tuchel looked equally baffled on the bench.
Also Read: Who is Brian Cipenga? DR Congo goalscorer vs England in FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32
Why was Harry Kane not given a penalty?
While waving away the penalty appeal, the Jordanian referee implied that the Bayern Munich striker had dived. Congolese captain Chancel Mbemba demanded that the referee show Kane a yellow card, although that call was not made.
As Adham Makhadmeh opted not to book Kane for simulation, it was likely that the referee thought that there had been contact between the striker and the goalkeeper. Replays confirmed that Mpasi’s right hand made slight contact with Kane’s shin.
However, the striker’s theatrical fall and his trailing leg likely made the referee believe that the striker initiated contact. As a result, he opted not to give a penalty. Crucially, VAR checked the decision and upheld it.
As a result, England went into the break with a one-goal deficit. The winner of tonight’s match will face Mexico in the Round of 16.
Why was Harry Kane’s penalty not given vs DR Congo?
Referee Adham Makhadmeh judged Kane’s fall to be exaggerated and waved away appeals, believing the striker had simulated the contact.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.