Why VAR Disallowed Norway's Goal Against England After Erling Haaland's Push on Elliot Anderson
- Norway's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended at the quarter-final stage after a controversial defeat, with one of their goals ruled out
- Jude Bellingham's brace proved decisive, leaving Andreas Schjelderup's brilliant strike from a tight angle as nothing more than a consolation
- YEN.com.gh examines why the goal was disallowed amid growing debate over claims of officiating favouring football's biggest nations
Norway were denied a goal against England in their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final after VAR ruled that Erling Haaland had committed a foul on Elliot Anderson before the corner kick was taken.
Torbjørn Heggem appeared to have put the Scandinavian side ahead when he converted the set-piece, but referee Clément Turpin overturned the goal after receiving an intervention from the video assistant referee.
Source: Getty Images
Why VAR disallowed Norway's second goal
Referee Clément Turpin explained the decision to both teams after reviewing the incident, saying:
"After review, Norway's No.9 [Erling Haaland] pushed England's No.8 [Elliot Anderson] before the corner kick was taken."
The infringement meant Norway's goal could not stand. Instead of awarding England a free kick, Turpin ordered Norway to retake the corner.
However, the second attempt failed to create any danger as England's defence cleared the ball away.
Watch Norway's disallowed goal, as shared on X:
Previously, IFAB laws would have allowed the goal to stand because the foul occurred before the ball was back in play.
However, lawmakers introduced new clarifications to the rules ahead of the 2026 World Cup to address physical battles during corners and free kicks.
The clarification states:
"The IFAB has approved a clarification to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol for use at the 2026 FIFA World Cup regarding clear offences committed by the attacking team before the ball is in play at a corner kick or free kick that have a direct impact on a goal, penalty kick, or disciplinary sanction."
Source: Getty Images
VAR decision sparks debate among fans
The ruling quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the match, with supporters divided over whether the contact was enough to cancel out the goal.
Several fans questioned the decision on social media, while others felt Norway had been harshly punished.
@Singhshaab_013 wrote:
"No, this should not have happened. You don't expect this from such a big player."
@ElwayBear simply declared:
"More FIFA corruption."
@Jasmin3Jazz joked:
"Just hand over win to England please 😂"
@TheTweetofShaun offered a blunt verdict:
"Cheats."
The decision added to the frustration surrounding Turpin's officiating, with England having earlier protested after the referee allowed Andreas Schjelderup's opening goal for Norway to stand despite appeals for a foul on Harry Kane during the build-up.
Bellingham completes England comeback against Norway
England responded strongly after falling behind, with Jude Bellingham combining with Anthony Gordon to restore parity in the second minute of first-half stoppage time.
Watch Bellingham's equaliser against Norway, as shared on X:
The goal lifted the pressure on Thomas Tuchel's side following the Harry Kane controversy and ensured the quarter-final remained evenly poised.
According to Sky Sports, the Real Madrid midfielder then completed the comeback in extra time, reacting quickest to a rebound after Morgan Rogers' long-range effort was saved.
Norway pushed for another equaliser, but the Vikings could not find a way through as England held on to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Watch Bellingham's winning goal vs Norway, as shared on X:
The Scandinavian side will be left wondering what might have been, with Erling Haaland's foul in the build-up to their disallowed goal proving a costly moment.
England, meanwhile, marches on and will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the last four.
Why England's penalty vs Norway was denied
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that referee Clément Turpin overturned England's extra-time penalty against Norway after a VAR review.
The official ruled that Djed Spence was responsible for the contact with the defender, meaning no foul had occurred.
Source: YEN.com.gh
