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BBC pundits split over VAR call that denied Brazil second goal against Scotland

Brazil had a second Vinicius Junior goal disallowed by VAR in the first half of their World Cup Group C decider against Scotland in Miami, with BBC commentators Darren Cann and James McFadden publicly disagreeing over whether the decision was correct.

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BBC pundits split over VAR call that denied Brazil second goal against Scotland
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A controversial VAR ruling dominated the first half of Brazil’s World Cup Group C decider against Scotland at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Wednesday, as Vinicius Junior had a second goal disallowed — a decision that split the BBC commentary team live on air.

Vinicius had already opened the scoring after just seven minutes, capitalising on a Scott McKenna error to give Brazil the lead. The Real Madrid forward thought he had doubled the advantage on 23 minutes when Jack Hendry was dispossessed and Vini Jnr slotted past Angus Gunn. Mexican referee Cesar Ramos, however, overturned the goal following a VAR review, ruling that Vinicius had fouled Hendry by placing his foot in front of the Al-Ettifaq defender before the pass was attempted.

Former Premier League official Darren Cann, consulted by the BBC during coverage, was unconvinced by the decision. “I think Scotland are a little fortunate to be honest,” Cann said. “There is a little contact before the ball is played but I don’t really feel that it’s a foul by Vini Jr — he’s just holding his ground and the defender just kicks into him. I think it’s one Scotland will be decided with but they are a little fortunate to get the decision.”

Former Scotland international James McFadden, on co-commentary for his nation’s final group fixture, disagreed emphatically. Reviewing the replays, McFadden argued that Vinicius had caught Hendry on the right leg at the moment of the pass. “It’s a foul for me,” McFadden said. “Whether it’s a slight contact or not, it’s a foul. When you see it back, clearly he’s caught as he’s in the action of kicking the ball, which is enough to stop him playing the ball. He’s impeded. It’s about time Scotland got a decision here.”

The reprieve proved short-lived for Steve Clarke’s side. Just before half-time, Vinicius netted a legitimate second goal, heading home from a cross by Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, leaving Scotland facing the prospect of another World Cup group stage elimination.

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