England defender says decision not to dismiss Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo “difficult to understand”
Harry Maguire has criticised the officiating in England’s draw with Uruguay, questioning why Ronald Araujo was not sent off following a challenge on Phil Foden.
Foden was forced off injured after a heavy tackle during the friendly at Wembley, raising concerns ahead of the World Cup. England manager Thomas Tuchel was visibly frustrated on the touchline, while Foden was replaced by Cole Palmer.
Maguire said the decision not to dismiss Araujo was difficult to understand.
“You don’t see tackles like that and not get red cards,” said Maguire. “A couple of months from the World Cup and we’ve got referees allowing tackles like that. It’s disappointing. We have to move on and manage the game better and come away with the victory. It was a good work out there, many positives and things to work on as well.”
The match also marked the return of Ben White, who scored to give England the lead but was booed by sections of the crowd. Late in the game, VAR awarded Uruguay a penalty after White’s challenge on Federico Viñas.
Maguire defended his teammate and also questioned the decision.
“I thought he was brilliant when he came on,” said the Manchester United defender. “I can’t say anything about the defending for that one [the penalty] – if that was me in that position I’d be attempting to block the shot as well. That’s what we’ve got to do. That’s a real soft penalty.”
