Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has described the lack of VAR intervention for Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial penalty during Portugal’s 2022 World Cup win over Ghana as “scary”.Portugal began their World Cup campaign with a 3-2 victory against their African opponents.Ronaldo, the legendary forward who left Manchester United this week, opened the scoring in the 65th minute from the penalty spot.Many football fans and pundits alike were baffled by referee Ismail Elfath’s decision to award the spot-kick.They were even more confused when VAR didn’t ask Elfath to review the incident on his pitch-side monitor.Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo sets World Cup record in controversial fashion vs Ghana

What did Mike Dean say about Ronaldo’s penalty vs Ghana?

Analysing the incident for beIN Sports, Dean said: “From the referee’s angle, it does look like a foul. VAR should get the referee out of trouble.

“The defender clearly plays the ball. Ronaldo then touches the back of the defender, goes down, instigated contact.

“It’s not the referee’s fault - he’s given the decision on the field of play. The VAR, in my opinion, should have got involved and invited the referee over to have a look at it.”

Cristiano Ronaldo won Portugal's penalty vs Ghana

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 24: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is helped to stand up by Joao Felix after brought down by Mohammed Salisu of Ghana resulting in a penalty during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974 on November 24, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

He added: “It’s scary, I have to say. I’m just astounded. I like to back referees all the time but you can’t support stuff like that. You can’t defend the indefensible.

“It should have been overturned. He should have gone to the screen, he should have looked at it.

“There may have been some technical glitch that we don’t know about. I just can’t understand why he wasn’t sent to the screen.

“One hundred per cent it’s wrong.”

Video: Mike Dean reviews Ronaldo penalty incident

Watch Mike Dean’s review of the incident here:

Damning stuff from the retired match official.

He’s in complete agreement with those who claim the decision to award Portugal a penalty was completely wrong.

Andre Ayew equalised for Ghana shortly afterwards but two goals in three minutes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao were enough to secure Portugal all three points.

Osman Bukari pulled a goal back for Ghana in the 89th minute but Portugal ended stoppage-time with their one-goal advantage intact.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Portugal's win vs Ghana

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 24: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates in front of the spectators after the final whistle during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974 on November 24, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Who do Portugal and Ghana play next?

Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates face Uruguay in their next Group H match on November 28, while Ghana take on South Korea earlier in the day.

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