Coco Gauff’s ex-coach, Brad Gilbert, voiced his absolute fury over the controversial foul call during the FIFA quarterfinal match between England and Norway. Gilbert went on to suggest that the referee’s decision unfairly went against Norway.
The quarterfinal match took place at the Miami Stadium, where England won 2-1 against Norway. While Norway led the match at the start with 1-0, Jude Bellingham leveled things with an equalizer in the added time of the first half. However, the highlight controversy of the match came about 10 minutes into the second half when Norway thought they had a goal. After a VAR review, the referee then ruled out the goal.
The referee ruled that Erling Haaland of Norway made illegal contact with England’s Elliot Anderson before the ball went into the net. Saved by the decision, England scored again, and with Norway failing to bring up their momentum, the Three Lions took home the win.
The decision has now upset many, including Coco Gauff’s ex-coach, Brad Gilbert, who took to his X account and said:
“Refs 1 viking 0 another flopping reward otherwise this game should have been over, play on and physicality has to be paramount.”
Gilbert suggested that the referee had unfairly rewarded England when, according to him, the contact was mild and Norway’s goal should have been considered.
This is not the first time that Gilbert has passionately weighed in on the ongoing FIFA tournament. Just days prior, he criticized the USA’s goalkeeper, Matt Freese for getting way past his goalpost to intercept a ball, which cost the USMNT a heavy price.
Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Brad Gilbert Weighs in on Refereeing Standards in Football and Basketball
While giving his opinion on last night’s quarterfinal game, Brad Gilbert also decided to broaden his criticism to the general refereeing standards in football and basketball that he believes are affecting the integrity of the sports. In another post on X, he said that referees are falling for players who exaggerate mild contacts and that flopping has become normal.
“@NBA basketball 🏀 and soccer ⚽️ two amazing games, the refs have completely lost the plot and are the worst reffed games now by long ways, along with players now seeing the massive benefit of flopping ie LaFlooper just become excepted parted of game culture.”
With this win, England is now scheduled to face Argentina on Thursday, 16 July.
Read more:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
