World Cup 2026: Penalty? Red card? Why were they given against England?

England were reduced to 10 men in the crucial World Cup last 16 match against Mexico and received a controversial penalty decision in the live match at the Azteca Stadium.

The Three Lions led 2-0 at half-time thanks to two goals from Jude Bellingham in as many minutes, but Julian Quinones pulled a goal back just before the break.

However, the game took off in the second half with two big moments.

First, Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute after the review by the video assistant referee showed that he was clearly interfering with the studded Jesus Gallardo.

This moment briefly cheered the Mexican fans, but England quickly took the lead 3-1 when Harry Kane converted the penalty.

“It’s a clear red card,” 2010 World Cup final assistant referee Darren Cann said on BBC One.

“Quansah plays the ball first, but it doesn’t matter in the rules of the game.

“He comes in and you can clearly see the nails on his shin. The referee has no choice but to show a red card.

“100% red card.”

England regained their two-goal advantage when Harry Kane converted a penalty, but Mexico hit back again when they were awarded a spot-kick.

Kane appeared to clip Brian Gutierrez and referee Alireza Faghani went to the monitor to review the incident and awarded the penalty, which Raul Jimenez converted.

“It’s a penalty,” Cann added.

“Kane unfortunately kicks the Mexican player in the foot. It’s a bit similar [Luka] Modric’s penalty kick in England’s first group match. “Kane is not aware of the player coming from behind.”

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart thought all the key decisions were correct.

“I think the referee made the right decision on all three counts.” [both penalties and the red card]” he said on BBC One.

“I felt every single one… my heart was in my mouth as soon as I saw the replays. Quansah deserved to go, Kane didn’t get the ball and Gordon [for the England penalty] “I got to the ball first.”