Over 210,000 French fans have voiced their outrage over the officiating of the World Cup final, with an online petition calling for a replay. Sunday’s match between France and Argentina ended with a 3-3 draw, which Argentina won on penalties.
While some celebrated the game as a showcase of top-class football, others have expressed their displeasure at what they believe to be mistakes by the referee in awarding two goals to Argentina.
The petition, which is hosted on MesOpinions, has already gained the support of over 210,000 people.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the World Cup final, after Angel Di Maria was adjudged to have been fouled inside the area by Ousmane Dembele.
However, reports have since insisted that the contact was minimal and the 34-year-old Juventus midfielder went down easily. Kylian Mbappe struck twice late to take the match into extra time, with further controversy arising over Argentina’s third goal. Two substitutes entered the pitch prematurely, before Messi’s strike crossed the line, according to the French media.
In the 108th minute, Argentina took the lead through Messi’s tap-in following a save from Hugo Lloris. The Barcelona star was on hand to finish the rebound after Lautaro Martinez’s effort.
Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick in the World Cup final has sparked a petition for France to be awarded the championship instead of Argentina. With only two minutes remaining, Mbappe’s three goals tied the match and sent it to a penalty shootout, which Argentina won 4-2.
The petition, hosted on MesOpinions, has now reached 200,000 signatures and is one of the website’s top 20 most signed demands.
The petition requires 500,000 signatures to become one of the top 3 most signed petitions, however, it is unclear what jurisdiction the website would have over FIFA to get them to acknowledge the claims.