The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
London, United Kingdom | AFP | England manager Gareth Southgate believes a lack of clarity over the video assistant referee (VAR) system could blight the 2018 World Cup.
Southgate’s side were denied another impressive World Cup warm-up friendly result as Lorenzo Insigne’s penalty three minutes from time salvaged a 1-1 draw for Italy at Wembley on Tuesday.
However, the visitors were only awarded a spot-kick after German referee Deniz Aytekin overturned his initial decision not to give a penalty when substitute Federico Chiesa tumbled under the challenge of James Tarkowski using VAR.
“I’m glad it’s not the World Cup just yet,” said Southgate. “I think the ruling is ‘clear and obvious’ and it’s not. It’s one you can debate all day.”
The #ThreeLions are denied late on, as the @azzurri level it up after a VAR-awarded penalty kick.
Unlucky, lads! pic.twitter.com/9iZKV1wIza
— England (@England) March 27, 2018
Southgate added that he is against the use of technology, as in England’s Premier League, despite the huge financial considerations wrong decisions can affect.
“I prefer referee’s decision is final. It’s sport and we shouldn’t be talking abut how much money it’s cost or lost.”
England were on course to back up their 1-0 win over the Netherlands on Friday and draws against World Cup favourites Germany and Brazil back in November thanks to Jamie Vardy’s 26th-minute opener.
“Generally over the two games I’m really pleased,” added Southgate.
“In the last four games we’ve played four of the biggest countries in the world, at different levels of progression, and been competitive in every one.”
Insigne’s equaliser was the first goal England have conceded in six games.
However, the hosts could have been punished far earlier for a lackadaisical start but for some poor finishing from Ciro Immobile.
Another good performance from the boys tonight. Shame it wasn’t the result we wanted but it was good preparation for the World Cup! @England pic.twitter.com/iFaTmVhgMk
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) March 27, 2018
The Lazio striker has scored 34 goals this season, but twice failed to get his shot away in time after pouncing on a pair of errors by John Stones inside the first three minutes.
Immobile’s best chance came 10 minutes later when he met Antonio Candreva’s enticing cross unmarked at the back post, but again failed to find the target as his header drifted over.
