England fans were angered by Peter Walton after ITV’s refereeing expert backed Wilton Sampaio’s decision to award France’s opening goal against the Three Lions at the World Cup on Saturday night. France took the lead in the 17th minute as Aurelien Tchouameni fired in from 25 yards out.
The opening exchanges of the showdown at the Al Bayt Stadium proved frenetic as both teams pushed forward and attempted to break the deadlock. And Les Bleus were ultimately successful in their endeavours as Tchouameni received the ball in space and lashed a scintillating effort beyond the reach of Jordan Pickford and into the bottom corner.
England were unhappy that the goal was allowed to stand as they felt Bukayo Saka was fouled in the build-up after going down following a heavy tackle by Dayot Upamecano. But play was allowed to continue as France raced up the other end of the pitch and took the lead.
Some Three Lions players remonstrated with Brazilian referee Sampaio after the ball hit the back of the net. But Walton then told ITV there was no need for the goal to be chalked off as Saka hadn’t been fouled.
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