World Cup: Ex-EPL referee, Mike Dean gives verdict on Ronaldo’s awarded penalty against Ghana

Former Premier League referee, Mike Dean, believes the lack of VAR intervention in Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty against Ghana was ‘scary’.

Portugal defeated Ghana 3-2 in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener on Thursday evening.

Ronaldo scored from the spot after drawing a ‘foul’ from Mohammed Salisu.

Many viewers disagreed with the referee’s decision, thinking Salisu got the ball and Ronaldo went down easily.

Analysing the incident for beIN Sports, Dean said the VAR was 100 per cent wrong to have awarded Ronald a penalty.

“The defender clearly plays the ball,” Dean said. “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.”

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

“100 per cent it’s wrong.”