Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has described the lack of VAR intervention for Cristiano Ronaldoâs controversial penalty during Portugalâs 2022 World Cup win over Ghana as âscaryâ.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 Elfathâs decision to award the spot-kick.They were even more confused when VAR didnât 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 Ronaldoâs penalty vs Ghana?
Analysing the incident for beIN Sports, Dean said: âFrom the refereeâs angle, it does look like a foul. VAR should get the referee out of trouble.
âThe defender clearly plays the ball. Ronaldo then touches the back of the defender, goes down, instigated contact.
âItâs not the refereeâs fault - heâs 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.â
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: âItâs scary, I have to say. Iâm just astounded. I like to back referees all the time but you canât support stuff like that. You canât defend the indefensible.
âIt should have been overturned. He should have gone to the screen, he should have looked at it.
âThere may have been some technical glitch that we donât know about. I just canât understand why he wasnât sent to the screen.
âOne hundred per cent itâs wrong.â
Video: Mike Dean reviews Ronaldo penalty incident
Watch Mike Deanâs review of the incident here:
Damning stuff from the retired match official.
Heâs 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.
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.
Check out our 2022 World Cup Hub
You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here.