Roy Keane blasts refereeing after Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Belgium

Egypt had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Belgium on Monday night, leaving them still without a World Cup win. Egypt went ahead through Imam Ashour, but an own goal by Mohamed Hany in the second half brought Belgium level and left the Egyptians with only one point after an otherwise respectable performance.

The main flashpoint came in the second minute of stoppage time, when substitute Zizo appeared to be brought down in the box by substitute defender Maxime De Cuyper. Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti did not award a penalty, and the decision sparked fury from commentator Roy Keane.

Keane said, “Did you see what happened to Zizo?! Mounie, that was De Cuyper, put his hands on him like an octopus, knocked me over and cleared the ball, that’s a clear penalty! If it is not a penalty, then it is a free kick, and that is it.” He added, “But no! The referee simply ruined the situation and VAR sat on the side, like the English FA. No courage, no consistency, simply amazing. The referees ruined the game. Egypt was robbed. What has to happen for them to award a penalty today?”

The decision was also sharply criticized online, and Egypt coach Hossam Hassan was seen grabbing the fourth official by the arms to demonstrate the foul. Mohamed Salah eventually stepped in and separated the two.