FIFA World Cup: ‘It should’ve been disallowed” – Schmeichel slams referee over Messi’s goal
Peter Schmeichel Critiques Referee’s Decision on Messi Goal
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has voiced his displeasure regarding the referee’s approval of Lionel Messi’s record-breaking goal against Austria. Schmeichel argued that the goal should have been disallowed due to a foul committed on Austrian player Xaver Schlager during the play.
In an appearance on FOX Sports, Schmeichel noted that the referee failed to recognize the foul on Schlager, adding that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) should have intervened to correct the oversight.
“I don’t believe that goal should have counted,” Schmeichel stated. “Consider how they reached the [penalty] box; it was a kick from behind on Xaver Schlager. This constitutes a free kick, as Mac Allister brought the player down. VAR should have intervened. This is a clear and obvious error by the referee, and I feel somewhat frustrated because of it.”
In the match, Messi initially missed a penalty but scored in the 39th minute, breaking Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16 World Cup goals. He later added another goal in stoppage time, securing a 2-0 victory for Argentina and increasing his total to 18 goals in World Cup history.
