Why England Were Denied a Penalty for Harry Kane's Incident Against DR Congo

Harry Kane expressed his disappointment after officials turned down his appeals for a penalty during England's match against DR Congo. Thomas Tuchel's team, viewed as the favorites to advance from the round of 32, found themselves trailing early, conceding a goal to Brian Cipenga in Atlanta. As the first half drew to a close, Kane broke through the DR Congo defense and attempted to round goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. After what appeared to be contact with the Congolese keeper, Kane went down, but referee Adham Makhadmeh dismissed his appeal, seemingly believing Kane had dived. The incident was reviewed by video assistant referee Khamis Al Marri, who decided not to recommend a review on the pitchside monitor, maintaining Makhadmeh's initial ruling. BBC commentator and former England forward Alan Shearer argued that a penalty should have been awarded, stating, "There is contact, there is no doubt. For me, that is a penalty. Kane may have made the most of it, but the keeper has come out and his hands are there. If he is going to come rushing out like that with his hands, as a forward you have every right to make contact and go down."

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