Okocha's Verdict On VAR Penalty Decision: Right Decision By Argentine Referee

Published: July 15, 2018

Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Austin Okocha has insisted that Argentina referee Nestor Pitana was right to award a penalty to France in the first half of the final of the 2018 World Cup.

An own goal from Mario Mandzukic gave France the lead in the 18th minute, only for Ivan Perisic to equalize ten minutes later after a deft free-kick delivery from Luka Modric.

The Inter Milan winger became the fall guy when his outstretched hand touched the ball, the referee eventually awarded a spot kick after consulting VAR, which was converted by Antoine Griezmann on 38 minutes.

''I think that's VAR bang on, it was a clear penalty. referee did not see it because it happened so fast,'' Okocha said in his half-time analysis on SuperSport.

''I know you can't go for a header by raising your hand, but it wasn't one movement, it was two movements there. ''

Croatia beat Nigeria 2-0 in their opening match of the 2018 World Cup, with Luka Modric scoring a penalty kick in the second half following a VAR decision in favour of the Europeans.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : fff.fr