England star Lucy Bronze took matters into her hands. This happened after Sarina Wiegman’s side thrashed China 6-1 at the ongoing Women’s World Cup. The defender was quick to make her feelings clear towards referee Casey Reibelt at full-time.
The Lionesses cruised to a comfortable victory to top group D. It started with three first half goals from Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp and Lauren James. Again, James scored in the second half with goals from Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly completing the thumping. And it could have more had James fabulous strike not controversially ruled out for offside.
James would have registered her hat-trick, but for VAR’s controversial call. Bronze who was walking back from an off-side position was adjudged to have interfered with play. The ball had come off a China defender before Bronze collected it for a lay off to James. The Chelsea forward struck it into the top corner. It was a controversial call that disallowed the goal nonetheless.
Again, Bronze was at the centre of another VAR decision in the second-half. The ball struck Bronze in the chest when goalkeeper Mary Earps pushed her forward as England looked to defend a corner kick.
And despite Bronze looking to keep her arms behind her back – the referee awarded a penalty after a lengthy VAR check. Thereafter, the 31-year-old defender was penalized for a handball.
Wang Shuang dispatched the penalty with ease and, for a brief period, China looked to be on top. That was until James scored her second of the game and this time it stood.
Goals from Kelly and Daly followed as England top group D and will face Nigeria in the round of 16 on Monday. Once the referee blew for full-time, Bronze skipped the referee when shaking the officials’ hands – a clear show of discontent towards the decisions made.