England head coach Thomas Tuchel has shown displeasure at the level of officiating in their 1-1 draw with Uruguay in Friday night’s international friendly clash at Wembley.
The Three Lions had several calls go against them in the fierce encounter, while they also conceded a late controversial penalty kick as well.
Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte received two cautions in the match but was not sent off, while the VAR failed to intervene after Ronald Araujo’s dangerous tackle on Phil Foden.
Speaking after the encounter, Tuchel criticized the poor level of officiating in the clash, which literally cost his side a much-needed win.
“I didn’t think it was a good performance at all,” Tuchel said of the referee.
“There were debates a player got two yellows in a match but not sent off. A bad day at the office [for the ref].”
England and Uruguay played out a 1-1 draw as both sides continued preparations for the World Cup in the summer.
Arsenal defender Ben White, who made his return to the squad after a period of self-exile, opened the scoring in the second half.
The 28-year-old then gave away a penalty in stoppage-time, allowing Federico Valverde to fire home a late equalizer for the visitors as both sides shared the spoils.
“It’s a very soft penalty. Of course there is contact but it’s so obvious what the striker is trying to do”, Tuchel continued.
“To overturn the decision when the ref made it clear he saw it.
“I was surprised the VAR was in place – I thought it wasn’t working. The tackle on Foden not even checked. The tackle on Noni not checked. Then suddenly this one is checked”, the former Chelsea coach concluded.
England will welcome back several of their players who were rested for the clash against Uruguay, as they prepare for another tough test against Japan on Tuesday at Wembley.
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