England scores tying goal against Norway after ball hits camera cable in World Cup controversy
Video review really dropped the ball on this one.
British midfielder Jude Bellingham tied Saturday’s World Cup quarterfinal against Norway just seconds before halftime.
But his goal did not come without controversy, and it ended up costing Norway a spot in the semifinals as it fell 2-1 to England after Bellingham scored his second goal of the game in extra time.
During a Norway free kick moments before Bellingham’s game-tying score, the ball struck the sky camera above the pitch at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and landed in an ideal spot for England to set up the goal.
According to FIFA rules, a drop ball should have been called after the ball hit the camera, but the officials seemingly missed the play. It was not picked up by the video assistant referee (VAR).
“VAR can interfere if that contact of the ball on the camera cable is part of a reviewable incident. An attacking phase of play leading to a goal is part of the VAR-reviewable incident,” former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg said on the Fox broadcast.
“It should have been picked up by the VAR.”
England’s goal ultimately stayed on the scoreboard, leaving Norway furious, with manager Stale Solbakken gesturing to referee Clement Turpin during the break.
In the second half, FIFA claimed that the ball’s heartbeat did not experience a spike during the controversial play, indicating that the camera deflection did not change the ball’s direction.
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The play happened shortly after English striker Harry Kane thought he was fouled after getting tied up with Norway’s Patrick Berg.
Turpin ultimately waived play on, leading to Norway scoring the opening goal with VAR not intervening.
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In 2023, England manager Thomas Tuchel eviscerated Turpin’s officiating, calling him a “Grade E” referee during a game between Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
“I’d give him a 1/10,” Tuchel told reporters then. “He was absolutely terrible.
“It’s unbelievable at this level.”
