Former England referee Darren Cann says Ghana were denied clear penalty against Three Lions

One of England’s own former officials has admitted Ghana should have been awarded a penalty in Tuesday’s controversial World Cup draw, adding weight to growing claims that the Black Stars were denied a major opportunity to beat the Three Lions.Former FIFA assistant referee Darren Cann, who officiated at the 2010 World Cup final, believes referee Said Martinez and the VAR team got the decision wrong when they ignored Ghana’s appeals after Prince Kwabena Adu went down in the England penalty area.The incident occurred during the second half of the goalless Group L clash when Adu burst into the box before appearing to be brought down by England defender Ezri Konsa.Despite protests from Ghana’s players, referee Martinez waved play on, and VAR declined to intervene.While England supporters celebrated the decision, Cann admitted the Black Stars had every reason to feel aggrieved.”As an England fan, I am delighted that it wasn’t given,” Cann said on BBC One.”But I have to be honest, for me this should have been referred.”The former official then explained why he believed a penalty should have been awarded.”Konsa makes absolutely no contact at all with the ball; he brings down his opponent. He is airborne, he is out of control, he makes contact with the attacker. For me, this was a penalty kick.”Cann’s comments are particularly significant because they come from a former elite referee rather than a Ghanaian player, coach or supporter.His assessment echoed the views of Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz, who launched a scathing attack on VAR after the match.”We still have VAR? It’s working?” Queiroz said sarcastically.”Another penalty they needed to give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England.”The decision may prove costly.Had Ghana been awarded the penalty and converted it, the Black Stars could have secured automatic qualification for the Round of 32 with a game to spare.Instead, they must wait until Saturday’s showdown with Croatia to confirm their place in the knockout stages.For many Ghanaian supporters, Cann’s verdict only deepens the frustration.When even an England fan and former World Cup referee says it should have been a penalty, the question becomes harder to ignore: how did neither the referee nor VAR see it?



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