Thomas Tuchel slams Mexico vs England referee after Harry Kane penalty controversy

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Evening Standard

·6 July 2026

Thomas Tuchel slams Mexico vs England referee after Harry Kane penalty controversy

Three Lions captain conceded a penalty immediately after converting from 12-yards himself

Thomas Tuchel said the officiating in England’s defeat of Mexico was “just not good enough” after VAR awarded a controversial penalty against Harry Kane.

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Kane scored a penalty himself early in the second half before conceding a spot kick just ten minutes later.

The incident came as England’s striker challenged Brian Gutierrez for a dropping ball, inadvertently kicking the back of his leg in doing so.

Referee Alireza Faghani of Australia did not initially award a penalty, but he was sent to the monitor by the VAR staff and overturned the decision.

Raul Jimenez dispatched the penalty without issue, setting up a frantic finish in which England battled to see out their win.

Speaking at full-time, Tuchel said he was unimpressed with the standard of refereeing.

"It's just not good enough,” he began. “The referees are just not good enough, fourth officials are just not good enough. That's the bottom line.

Thomas Tuchel was not impressed with the officiating in Mexico vs England

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“Three people in the VAR from South America in a match like this, if this is correct, VAR overturns... is this a clear and obvious error for the penalty? For sure not.

“They overturned a situation where he doesn't even give a foul. Referees just not good enough, fourth officials just not good enough.”

Tuchel was spotted remonstrating with officials multiple times throughout the match.

He continued, hailing England’s bravery in challenging circumstances, as they were made to play in front of a heavily partisan crowd at the Estadio Azteca.

"If a team has heart and belief, then it's this team. They did it on pure will,” he added.

“No words. That's an iconic match, an iconic stadium. We overcame so much adversity today. Very proud.

"I didn't feel it hostile, I found it more cheering and emotional. We were aware of that but we refused to give in on a level that is absolutely admirable.”