England goal against Norway sparks row over alleged camera cable deflection | OneFootball

England’s 2-1 extra-time win over Norway at the 2026 World Cup was marred by a row over Jude Bellingham’s first-half equaliser, which Norway argue should have been disallowed because a camera cable altered the ball’s path.

FIFA said the connected match balls carry a chip designed to flag abnormal contact and that no irregularity was recorded on Orjan Nyland’s clearance that preceded the goal.

Norway had led before Bellingham levelled at 45+2 with a superb solo effort, the move beginning when Nyland’s kick appeared to glance an overhead cable. The moment went largely unnoticed on the broadcast, but clips analysing the ball’s unusual flight quickly spread online.

On the pitch, Norway’s coach and players pointed to the cable as obstructing their recovery after the clearance. French referee Clément Turpin let the goal stand and play continued, although guidance is that play should be stopped and the goalkeeper retake when outside interference occurs.

Alf-Inge Haaland, father of Norway forward Erling Haaland, said the referee had effectively won the match. The debate adds to a tournament already peppered with officiating controversies, including the rescinded red card for American Balogun and rows from France-Paraguay and Argentina-Egypt.

Source: Le Progres