England: Harry Maguire bemoans decision to award penalty to North Macedonia during draw in Skopje
A controversial penalty was awarded to North Macedonia on Monday night after Bojan Miovski was adjudged to have been caught by the trailing arm of England debutant Rico Lewis following a VAR review; «It's never a penalty,» said Maguire afterwards
Tuesday 21 November 2023 18:19, UK
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Harry Maguire says defenders are unable to make contact in the box without the risk of conceding a penalty, following the controversial awarding of a spot-kick to North Macedonia vs England on Monday night.
A long ball forward saw England debutant Rico Lewis challenge Bojan Miovski in the area and head clear, but a trailing arm on the North Macedonia forward was spotted by VAR, forcing referee Filip Glova to point to the spot.
Bardhi saw his initial spot-kick saved by Pickford, but slammed in the rebound as England went in behind on the break.
Maguire showed his disapproval towards the referee after the decision, so much so he said Glova «gave them a goal».
«It was a crazy decision,» he said.
«I've said it for numerous months now: it's making the lives even more harder for us defenders. Even in the Premier League, week in, week out, we're playing against top-quality forwards and we can't move our body.
»We can't defend, can't make contact, can't put your arms out. It's just too harsh, too soft penalties and for me, it's never a penalty.
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«Rico reacted really, really well from it and we put in a big performance after that.»
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