A former top football official from England has admitted that Ghana should have been given a penalty during their controversial World Cup draw against England on Tuesday.
The comments have added more fuel to the growing debate surrounding one of the biggest talking points from the Group L match. Many Ghanaian fans, players, and officials were left frustrated after a penalty appeal was turned down during the second half of the game.
Now, former FIFA assistant referee Darren Cann has publicly stated that he believes the referee and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team made the wrong decision.
His remarks have strengthened claims that the Black Stars were denied a huge opportunity to defeat England and secure early qualification for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Controversial Moment Sparks Debate
The incident happened during the second half of the tense Group L encounter between Ghana and England.
With both teams fighting hard for an important result, Ghana forward Prince Kwabena Adu broke into the England penalty area and looked set to create a dangerous chance.
As he moved toward goal, England defender Ezri Konsa challenged him inside the box.
Adu went to the ground, and Ghana’s players immediately appealed for a penalty. They believed the defender had fouled the attacker and prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity.
However, referee Said Martinez was not convinced.
The official quickly signaled for play to continue and rejected Ghana’s appeals.
Many expected VAR to take a closer look at the challenge, but after a brief review, the video officials decided not to intervene.
The match continued without a penalty being awarded.
While England supporters were relieved by the decision, Ghana’s players and coaching staff were left furious.
Darren Cann Believes Officials Got It Wrong
Former FIFA assistant referee Darren Cann has now shared his opinion on the incident.
Cann is one of the most respected former match officials in football and was part of the officiating team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.
Speaking on BBC One after the match, Cann admitted that he was happy the decision favored England as a supporter, but insisted he had to be honest in his assessment.
“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.”
Cann then explained why he believed the challenge should have resulted in a penalty kick for Ghana.
“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.”
His comments have attracted significant attention because they come from a former elite referee rather than someone directly connected to Ghana.
Why Cann’s Opinion Matters
Football fans often disagree about refereeing decisions.
Players, coaches, and supporters usually view incidents through the lens of their own team.
That is why Cann’s comments carry extra importance.
As a former FIFA official, he spent years applying football’s laws at the highest level of the game.
He understands how referees are trained to judge challenges and what criteria should be used when deciding whether a foul has been committed inside the penalty area.
Because of that experience, many observers see his opinion as particularly valuable.
His assessment has also added credibility to Ghana’s complaints about the decision.
While supporters may argue emotionally, Cann’s view is based on his understanding of the rules and his experience as an international referee.
Ghana’s Frustration Continues to Grow
The Black Stars camp did not hide its disappointment after the match.
Players immediately questioned why the referee had ignored their appeals.
The coaching staff also believed the challenge deserved a much closer examination.
For Ghana, the frustration comes from the importance of the moment.
A successful penalty could have completely changed the outcome of the game.
Instead of settling for a draw, Ghana might have secured all three points against one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
That victory would have moved the Black Stars into an extremely strong position in Group L.
It could even have secured qualification to the Round of 32 with one match still remaining.
Instead, Ghana must continue fighting for qualification in their final group game.
Carlos Queiroz Criticises VAR
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz was among the strongest critics of the decision.
After the match, the experienced manager openly questioned the effectiveness of VAR.
“We still have VAR? It’s working?” Queiroz said sarcastically.
“Another penalty they needed to give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England.”
The Portuguese coach clearly felt that the technology failed to do its job.
VAR was introduced to help correct clear and obvious mistakes made by on-field referees.
Many Ghana supporters believe this was exactly the type of situation where video review should have stepped in.
Instead, the original decision stood.
Queiroz’s comments reflected the frustration felt by many people connected to the Black Stars.
How VAR Was Expected to Help
VAR was created to reduce major refereeing errors in football.
The system allows video officials to review incidents involving goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity.
In situations where a referee may have missed something important, VAR can recommend a review.
The referee can then watch the incident again on a monitor before making a final decision.
Because of this process, many fans expected the Adu challenge to receive a thorough review.
However, the VAR team decided there was not enough evidence to recommend an on-field review.
That decision has now become one of the most discussed refereeing moments of the World Cup so far.
What the Result Means for Ghana
The decision may have major consequences for Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
A victory against England would have placed the Black Stars in an excellent position to reach the knockout stage.
Instead, the draw means qualification is still not guaranteed.
Ghana must now focus on their final Group L match against Croatia.
The Black Stars know that a strong result in that game could still secure progression to the next round.
However, many supporters cannot help wondering what might have happened if the penalty had been awarded.
Football matches are often decided by small moments, and this incident could prove to be one of the most important moments of Ghana’s tournament.
Fans Continue to Question the Decision
Since the match ended, social media has been filled with debate about the challenge.
Many Ghanaian supporters believe the footage clearly shows contact between Konsa and Adu.
Others have questioned why the referee was not asked to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor.
Even some neutral observers have suggested that Ghana were unlucky not to receive a penalty.
Cann’s comments have only increased those discussions.
When a former World Cup referee openly says he believes a penalty should have been awarded, many fans feel their concerns have been validated.
Attention Turns to Croatia Clash
Despite the controversy, Ghana must now move forward.
The team’s focus will quickly shift to their final group-stage match against Croatia.
That game could determine whether the Black Stars advance to the knockout rounds.
Coach Carlos Queiroz will be hoping his players can put the disappointment behind them and concentrate on the challenge ahead.
The squad has shown determination throughout the tournament and will believe they still have every chance of progressing.
A Decision That Will Be Remembered
Refereeing controversies are often part of major football tournaments, and this incident is likely to remain one of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage.
Darren Cann’s verdict has given new life to the debate and strengthened Ghana’s belief that they were denied a clear penalty.
Whether people agree or disagree with his assessment, his comments have ensured that the discussion will continue long after the final whistle.
For Ghana, the disappointment remains clear.
The Black Stars may never know what would have happened if the penalty had been awarded.
But with a former World Cup referee saying the decision was wrong, many supporters will continue to ask the same question: how did both the referee and VAR decide not to give it?
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