Former England footballer Roy Keane has blasted the referee for taking too long to award Belgium a late penalty in their dramatic 3-2 FIFA World Cup victory over Senegal, calling the decision "a bit harsh" for the African side.
Match Recap: Belgium's Stunning Comeback
Senegal took a 2-0 lead through goals from Habib Diarra (24th minute) and Ismaila Sarr (51st minute), putting the European giants on the brink of elimination. However, Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute, and Youri Tielemans equalized from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to force extra time.
In the 124th minute and 44th second, Tielemans converted another penalty after a VAR review for a foul by Lamine Camara, sealing a remarkable comeback and becoming the latest goal ever scored in FIFA World Cup history.
Keane's Criticism of the Referee
Speaking on ITV Sport, as quoted by Sky Sports, Keane said: "Senegal found a way to lose the game, and it was a great reaction for Belgium. The penalty is a bit harsh, and the referee took so long to look at the screen. You want conviction in the referee's decision, and he was hesitating for a long time."
Gary Neville's Reaction
Former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville added that a World Cup is "a place for dreams and then it is a place for dreams to be shattered." He said: "They [Senegal] gave up a two-goal lead with five minutes to go. Credit to Belgium, I do not know how they got out of it."
Impact on the Tournament
Belgium's victory secured their place in the round of 16, while Senegal's exit marked a heartbreaking end to their campaign. The match will be remembered for its late drama and the record-breaking timing of Tielemans' winner.
