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'Absolutely robbed': Outrage over 'farcical' scenes at Women's World Cup

Controversy has erupted at the Women’s World Cup, with VAR rearing its ugly head again.

France preserved their perfect record to top Group A with a 1-0 win against 10-woman Nigeria on Monday.

But the win came thanks to Wendie Renard's 79th minute penalty awarded after a controversial VAR review.

Renard's first attempt hit the outside of the post but the kick had to be retaken because Chiamaka Nnadozie had moved off her line -- a situation that also happened in France's previous game against Norway -- and the centre back coolly converted.

The controversial call. Image: Optus Sport
The controversial call. Image: Optus Sport

The Nigerians were absolutely fuming, remonstrating with the official.

Fans, pundits and former players had plenty to say about the questionable use of VAR.

"To award the penalty again, I thought was a bad decision,” Socceroos great Mark Schwarzer said on Optus Sport.

"I think the VAR in general has been a success... but it lets itself down when they make decisions like this, which are quite controversial."

Nigeria's players react to the referee's controversial call.. (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images)
Nigeria's players react to the referee's controversial call.. (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images)

And he wasn’t alone:

African champions Nigeria, who could still reach the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, finished with 10 players after Ngozi Ebere was dismissed for a second booking in the 75th for a foul on Kadidiatou Diani that led to the penalty.

France finished with nine points ahead of Norway with six and Nigeria on three while South Korea have none.

France will face one of the best third-placed teams in Le Havre on Sunday.

with agencies