Featured Image Credit: ITV Sport
Topics: Antoine Griezmann, Football World Cup, France
Jack Kenmare
The French FA have asked FIFA for an explanation regarding Antoine Griezmann’s controversial disallowed goal against Tunisia on Wednesday night.
A goal from former Sunderland winger Wahbi Khazri sealed a shock 1-0 win for Jalel Kadri's side, who would finish third in Group D after picking up four points from three games.
It was a disappointing performance from the reigning world champions but after looking poor for large spells, France thought they'd grabbed an equaliser in the 98th minute.
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Antoine Griezmann, who would go on to score the goal, was stood yards offside when Aurelien Tchouameni lifted a ball into the penalty area.
That being said, the Atletico Madrid forward made no attempt to play the ball or challenge an opponent before Montassar Talbi tried to head it away.
Many thought the call was a tad harsh. In fact, the FFF [French Football Federation] have called on FIFA to provide clarification on the controversial injury-time decision, according to French publication Le Parisien.
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The IFAB – the body that determines the laws of the game – say a VAR check cannot overturn a goal once play has restarted.
The IFAB rule states: "If play has resumed after being stopped, the referee may not make an analysis except in the case of mistaken identity or in the case of an ejectable offense such as violent behavior, spitting, biting, and/or or hurtful, rude or abusive words or actions."
France manager Didier Deschamps reacted to the offside incident after Wednesday afternoon's full-time whistle.
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“I am awaiting an answer on the regulations," he said via Le Parisien. "I don’t know them all by heart. The referee whistled the kick off (after Griezmann’s goal) and the end of the game and I’m not sure the game could be resumed.
"I went to see the referee to discuss. I’m waiting for an answer and I won’t say what he said. I don’t want to question him. Do you have the number of [Pierluigi] Collina?"
It was viewed as a controversial decision by many, but the result played little part in the overall Group D standings.
France still finished top after picking up two wins, while Tunisia finished in third ahead of Denmark, who were marked as one of the dark horses prior to this winter's tournament.