{"id":528324,"date":"2026-07-01T22:39:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T22:39:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/528324\/"},"modified":"2026-07-01T22:39:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T22:39:17","slug":"rooney-pushed-back-on-bbc-pundit-nonsense-on-england-pen-claim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/528324\/","title":{"rendered":"Rooney Pushed Back On BBC Pundit Nonsense On England Pen Claim"},"content":{"rendered":"

There was some disagreement in the BBC studio at halftime in the World Cup<\/a> clash between England and DR Congo, with\u00a0 some of the English pundits dismayed that Harry Kane was not given a penalty for what seemed like a clear case of simulation during the first half.<\/p>\n

DR Congo had a dream start to the game, taking a shock lead after just six minutes. Brian Calenga would get the goal, making the most of some questionable defending and goalkeeping to find the back of the net.<\/p>\n

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Is a shock on the cards in Atlanta?<\/p>\n

Brian Cipenga with a fantastic near-post finish to put DR Congo ahead after a looping cross from Chancel Mbemba<\/p>\n

Watch all 104 games from the #FIFAWorldCup<\/a> on RT\u00c9 pic.twitter.com\/U5lmhgtxRu<\/a><\/p>\n

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England created a few excellent chances in the opening half, with DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing a couple of brilliant saves to keep them out.<\/p>\n

BBC studio disagrees over England penalty claim<\/p>\n

There was one nervy moment for the African side near the end of the first half, with England claiming a penalty after Harry Kane went down under apparent contact from Mpasi.<\/p>\n

\n Recommended\n <\/p>\n

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However, the referee waved away his appeals. Replays would suggest that while there was some contact with the goalkeeper, Kane was already going to ground prior to that point.<\/p>\n

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England plea for a penalty as Harry Kane is played through and goes down attempting to go around the keeper<\/p>\n

Watch all 104 games from the #FIFAWorldCup<\/a> on RT\u00c9 pic.twitter.com\/HsJX2ZWrbe<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 RT\u00c9 Sport (@RTEsport) July 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Alan Shearer was furious in the BBC commentary box at the time, suggesting that the penalty should have been awarded.<\/p>\n

That sentiment was shared by Micah Richards and Joe Hart at halftime, suggesting a foul had been committed.<\/p>\n

Richards: The goalkeeper definitely does touch him. If I was a striker, I would definitely want it. I can understand why it wasn’t overturned, but he touches him so I want that as a penalty.<\/p>\n

Hart: As soon as I miss that ball and I feel Harry Kane’s contact, I’m getting ready [for the penalty]. I’m working out where Harry Kane’s penalty is going to be.<\/p>\n

He will be absolutely delighted when he looks up and sees the referee not giving this, because I would expect that to be given against me.<\/p>\n

However, that opinion was dismissed by Wayne Rooney. The former Manchester United star was the only person to suggest that Kane went down easily looking for a penalty.<\/p>\n

I’m all for the forwards, but I just think he trips himself a little bit and jumps into the goalkeeper.<\/p>\n

Yeah there is contact, but by tripping himself and jumping into the goalkeeper with two feet, that is the right decision…<\/p>\n

He stumps his toe into the ground with his right foot, then he jumps into the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper has rushed out and left himself in a position where the referee can give the penalty.<\/p>\n

I just think it looks like he has dived into him. I think it’s probably not a penalty.<\/p>\n

Memories are short in the BBC studio, who all but completely ignored the blatant penalty that was not given to Ghana during their game against England<\/a> earlier in the tournament.<\/p>\n

Harry Kane made the most of it and it looks as though the correct decision was made.<\/p>\n