Spain wasn't awarded penalty in extra time and everyone made Putin jokes
Spain wasn't awarded a penalty late in extra time of its round of 16 clash with Russia after it appeared at least two Spanish players were tackled in the box.
The match official, after conferring with those on the other side of his headset, waved play on without using VAR to review the play.
The moment of controversy prompted Twitter users around the globe to make some variation of the same basic joke:
Live scenes from the VAR studio. pic.twitter.com/KUYFW2bz2G
— Not Match of the Day (@NOT_MOTD) July 1, 2018
The VAR room is not secure enough to give a 114th minute penalty against Russia, no
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) July 1, 2018
When they tell the refs to look at VAR with Putin standing right there... #worldcup pic.twitter.com/YJlVXaget6
— PSanchez (@PhillipESanchez) July 1, 2018
Russia getting away with a clear violation on the international stage, why I never
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) July 1, 2018
Hey guys, remember South Korea v Italy from the 2002 World Cup?
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) July 1, 2018
Shouts of "Putin! Putin!" in this Madrid bar when VAR didn't give the penalty...
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) July 1, 2018