Joe Hart has hit out at a controversial refereeing decision during Spain's round of 32 World Cup clash with Austria, claiming it will leave Premier League goalkeepers 'throwing their food and drink at the TV'. The former Manchester City and England goalkeeper was speaking on BBC punditry after Marc Cucurella's goal was ruled out for a soft foul on the Austrian goalkeeper, a decision that was upheld by VAR.
Spain cruised to a 3-0 victory thanks to two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and a header from Tottenham's Pedro Porro, securing their progression to the last 16. However, the match could have been even more one-sided had Cucurella's early goal not been disallowed for what appeared to be a minimal infringement.
Hart's Verdict on the Controversial Call
Hart, a former Premier League star himself, was scathing in his assessment. 'There are going to be Premier League goalkeepers throwing their food and drink at the TV,' he said. 'What's gone in the Premier League this season, for this to be disallowed. It is really soft, it is just people challenging for the ball. Sometimes I can understand it when you get your hands knocked out of the way, or taken away from you. That is just an innocent challenge.'
The decision, which occurred when the game was still 0-0, was promptly checked and approved by VAR, but Hart and his fellow BBC pundits scrutinised it heavily. The incident drew comparisons to a similar call earlier in the tournament, where Germany's Jonathan Tah had a goal ruled out under comparable circumstances.
Context: Set-Piece Wrestling in the Premier League
When it was pointed out that Tah's goal was also disallowed, Hart admitted that while he disagreed with both decisions, something needed to be done about the increasing physicality during set-pieces. 'Just be honest though, it's a shame this has happened, because they are two perfectly good goals,' he added. 'But something needed to be done, because it was getting ridiculous in the Premier League [with the jostling from set-pieces]. It was almost impossible for a goalkeeper. It was getting out of hand but I think they could have handled it better than chalking off two perfectly good goals in the World Cup.'
The issue of penalty area wrestling has been a growing concern in the Premier League, with goalkeepers often fouled or obstructed during corners and free kicks. Hart, who experienced these challenges firsthand during his career, believes the current officiating approach is too heavy-handed.
Spain's Dominant Performance
Despite the controversy, Spain dominated the match from start to finish. Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the first half, doubling his tally after the break before Porro added a third. The win ensures Spain advance to the last 16, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Austria, meanwhile, exit the tournament after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful campaign.
Hart's comments have sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning the consistency of VAR decisions in the World Cup. As the tournament progresses, the spotlight remains on referees and their interpretation of the laws of the game.
