A controversial VAR ruling during France's 3-1 victory over Senegal at the New York New Jersey Stadium has left some of the world's leading referees baffled — and sparked fierce debate among pundits at the game.

The incident occurred in the 58th minute with the match still goalless. Kylian Mbappe went down inside the penalty area after a challenge from Sadio Mane, and referee Alireza Faghani was directed to the pitchside monitor to review the contact.

The decision that stunned the officials

After consulting the monitor, Faghani appeared to gesture toward the penalty spot, sending the France supporters inside the stadium into raptures. Their celebrations were premature, however — the referee had in fact signalled for a goal-kick, ruling that Mbappe had initiated the contact himself.

Darren Cann, who served as assistant referee in the 2010 World Cup final, reacted with disbelief speaking to BBC One.