Women's World Cup final referee Toni Penso faces criticism from fans for not taking strong action on a potentially game-changing decision. As Spain secured victory over England with a sole goal from Olga Carmona, controversy arose when VAR awarded a penalty to Spain.
England's Mary Earps saved the penalty, but fans were upset that a Spain player, Salma Paralluelo, wasn't given a second yellow card for time-wasting after a prior incident. Fans on social media accused the referee of avoiding a crucial decision in the match.
United: This referee in a World Cup is embarrassing. Can clearly see the ref wants Spain to win. Doesn’t give the Spanish players a second yellow. Gives the Spanish players fouls for nothing but gives England no fouls when it’s a obvious foul. Embarrassing.
Deza: The Referee for the #WorldCup2023 Final was an embarrassment. She made so many wrong calls. Spain were the better side but England were robbed of Fouls, Free Kicks and a Red Card.
GlacialSpoon: OK, Spain did outplay us, they deserve the win. But what does England do to piss off referees so often? Penso was rubbish.
dan lowe: In my life I have never seen such a bad referee so one-sided ...spain grabbed England players all game long, but hey if you send a woman she won't get it, she was too nice for this game.
TheMadMan: Toni Penso isn't fit to referee an under 10s boys game. How the hell did she fall for the diving and play acting of Spain and miss some blatant free kicks for England.
