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Whilst I agree that defenders have a responsibility to avoid tripping attackers, I don’t think the Norwegian defender had a chance here as Spence deliberately and unnaturally stepped straight into his path. That said I don’t think it was anywhere near enough of an error for VAR involvement...

I've seen two videos of this, one shows absolutely no evidence of the ball hitting a cable and moving, the other shows a clear change in direction of the ball. They can't both be right so I can only assume a case of fake AI here.

There's possible contact but I don't think enough for a VAR recommendation.

That is somewhat easier said than done when the president of the USA is influencing footballing decisions.

Sociopaths don’t feel embarrassment in the way that most people do, rather they come out with anger or irritation when they are called out for embarrassing acts. That trait clearly applies to Trump and there is a very strong argument it also does to Infantino. They won’t think they have done...

He’s not there so it would be a very long distance smell

I look at it the other way, the bigger nations and clubs get more big decisions in their favour as they spend way more time on average in the opponents half and penalty area. If you spend 75% of the time in your opponents half you are clearly have more penalty appeals for you and less against...

I’m kind of OK with that intervention. Might have been a long way from goal but was sustained holding and dragged him to the floor. I’d rather they didn’t get involved but I certainly don’t think it was wrong, and they were definitely right not to get involved in the supposed foul for Egypt just...

The massive difference is the force that Quansah challenged with, the opponent’s leg was off the ground but had it been planted that could have been horrendous. Way less force in the Balogan challenge. Both red cards but I’d say they are on a very different scale.

A 3G pitch is also solid but you’d still play on it. A frozen pitch is much more dangerous than a dry pitch.

I would strongly suggest people stop using the corruption word, at least unless you have concrete evidence that you would be willing to stand up with in a court. FIFA's lawyers have long tentacles and have gone after individuals in the past for what they see as libellous comments. And to...

Belgium have gone even stronger with a second statement ... Following its previous statement, the RBFA wishes to publicly explain the events of the past few hours. After learning through media reports of Fifa’s decision to lift the automatic suspension of player Balogun, the RBFA sent a letter...

Fair point, and as I said they might have changed it. But referees' marks shouldn't be protected by VAR bailing them out, otherwise they will be getting rewarded for other people's work and that can't be right. Without VAR this referee would have made two incorrect KMDs, granted one of them a...

You know you are in a world of trouble when even Sepp Blatter is calling you out for it ...

I only watched the highlights, had a meeting this morning that was way too important to risk it with disrupted sleep, but the red card and penalty look nailed on. I know there's an argument the penalty wasn't a clear and obvious error, but I suspect VAR said did you see him kick his foot. Once...

Depends what trumps (pardon the pun) what, as it always the case when two rules contradict each other. The issue I have is, if what Belgium have said is true, FIFA have been putting weekly briefing out to clubs saying that the automatic one game ban will not be flexed in anyway. Then Trump calls...

It has never been used in a tournament before to stop a suspension. And it just happens to be for the host nation.

Belgium have issued this statement ... Article 66.4 that they refer to states ... Bottom line is they had absolutely no right to do what they did and there will be serious ramifications here.

It was more petulant than violent for me. Should have been a caution but the on-pitch officials missed it and not serious enough for VAR to get involved with.

Shocking performance, but I suspect it comes down to FIFA to come extent. They've clearly told referees to be lenient and only caution when it is really necessary. The better referees have understood that directive, for example Michael Oliver earlier today who had 6 cautions in the first half...