November 17th 2023.
Harry Kane was left in disbelief when he was shockingly booked for diving against Malta in the Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley on Friday night. The incident left players, pundits, and fans alike shocked and confused as to why the referee, Luis Miguel Branco Godinho, had issued a yellow card instead of pointing to the spot.
Kane was fouled in the box by goalkeeper Henry Bonello after Bonello had sloppily given away possession. Despite the contact made, the referee decided to blow for a free-kick and booked the Bayern Munich striker for simulation. The decision was not overturned by the VAR.
The decision was heavily criticised by former England stars. Jermaine Defoe said on Channel 4: "When I first saw it, I thought it was a penalty and when you slow it down you see the contact." Joe Cole added: " Harry's bought it. The goalkeeper's made a wreck and he's come out. What Harry's done is go, 'go on, go on, hit me - contact, I'm going down'. In the rules of the game it's a penalty. I think the referee is rash, he got that one wrong."
Joleon Lescott, former Manchester City defender, also weighed in on the incident: "I definitely don't think its a yellow but if he gives a pen I'm not debating. But the fact that he's dragged his left leg a little bit and the keeper's tried to put his hands away, there's definitely contact."
Clearly, this controversial decision has sparked much debate and discussion. It remains to be seen whether UEFA will take any action following the incident, or whether Harry Kane will face any further punishment.
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