England midfielder Jude Bellingham scored a controversial tying goal against Norway just before halftime in a World Cup quarterfinal match on Saturday. The goal, however, has sparked debate due to an earlier incident where the ball struck a camera cable above the pitch at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
During a Norway free kick preceding Bellingham's goal, the ball hit the sky camera cable and then landed in a position that facilitated England's subsequent attack and equalizer. According to FIFA rules, a drop ball should have been called after the ball's contact with the camera, a decision that officials seemingly overlooked and which was not flagged by the video assistant referee (VAR).
"VAR can interfere if that contact of the ball on the camera cable is part of a reviewable incident. An attacking phase of play leading to a goal is part of the VAR-reviewable incident," former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg stated on the Fox broadcast, adding, "It should have been picked up by the VAR."
The goal stood, leaving the Norwegian team and its manager, Stale Solbakken, visibly frustrated. Solbakken was seen gesturing to the referee, Clement Turpin, during the break. FIFA later claimed that the ball's internal sensors did not register a significant change in direction due to the camera deflection, suggesting it did not alter the ball's trajectory.
The controversial play occurred shortly after English striker Harry Kane was involved in a physical challenge with Norway's Patrick Berg. Referee Turpin waved play on, and Norway subsequently scored the opening goal, with VAR again not intervening.
England manager Thomas Tuchel had previously criticized referee Turpin's officiating in 2023, describing his performance during a match between Bayern Munich and Manchester City as "absolutely terrible" and rating him "1/10."