Just like in previous editions of the World Cup, the final of Russia 2018 served up a fair share of controversy. However, for the first time in history, it involved a piece of technology.
With the game tied at a goal apiece for both France and Croatia after Ivan Perisic's strike had canceled out Mario-Mandzukic's own-goal, Les Bleus saw their lead restored when a penalty decision went in their favor. This occurred after the Vatreni's goalscorer appeared to have handled a corner-kick which initially bounced off Blaise Matuidi's head.
Having failed to initially spot the supposed infringement, the referee's attention was drawn by the French players. He, as a result, restored to the VAR, ruling in favor of a penalty for the Euro 2016 finalists after taking a while to review.
The decision has provoked a backlash across social media platforms with one faction asserting that Perisic's offense was not deliberate while the others think the referee made the right call. Below are some of the reactions:
After looking at the replays, you have to say this is 60/40 a handball. Tough decision but when using VAR you can see Ivan Perisic's hand moves towards the ball. A good decision, in my opinion #FRA 2-1 #CRO #FRACRO #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/QMPN8SKEpb
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) July 15, 2018
Handball Perisic = Penalty.
— Siaran Bola Live (@SiaranBolaLivee) July 15, 2018
VAR = No Debat pic.twitter.com/jRjM5M4fLr
FIFA handball rule:
— Rob (@RobRLFC) July 15, 2018
"A handball occurs if any player, other than the team's goalkeeper within his own penalty area, deliberately handles the ball when in play"
How a ref can say without doubt that Perisic deliberately handles it is comical. Matuidi is 3 foot away #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/AQ20w9GBYT
Handball decisions should only be looked at in real time. There's no way Perisic intentionally moved his hand towards the ball
— CM (@CMcCullagh92) July 15, 2018
People on my timeline -- and yours, I expect -- split on whether that should have been a penalty. For what it's worth, I'd say no; it clearly wasn't deliberate and Perisic hand wasn't in an unnatural position. Handball guidelines are so ridiculously vague, though. #FRA 2-1 up
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) July 15, 2018
If one of the French players headed the ball and it hit Perisic then yes I understand it will be called a penalty. No French players anywhere near the ball to score other than the run across the near post. Referee is given what he has seen and in the rule book it's a handball.
— TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) July 15, 2018
#FraVCro Not a deliberate handball but merits a penalty. Perisic knew it was trouble... Two goals handed on a platter to France... Croatia has a role to play in all three goals scored. Head says France, Heart roots for the underdogs... It ain't over yet...
— Anand Narasimhan (@AnchorAnandN) July 15, 2018
Was it or was it not a penalty? Be the judge...