Ghana vrs Portugal: EPL all-time top scorer Alan Shearer says Referee’s penalty decision was wrong

All-time English Premier League (EPL) top scorer Alan Shearer has disagreed with referee Ismail Elfath’s penalty for Portugal in the Group H fixture between the Black Stars of Ghana and Portugal.

The American referee’s decision has become the most contentious in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with many prominent football personalities disagreeing with it.

Many believe Ghana’s defender Mohammed Salisu didn’t foul Ronaldo enough to warrant the penalty.

The former Southampton and England forward replied a question posed by BBC Sport’s "match of the day" Twitter handle: "Portugal are in front! "Did you agree with the penalty decision?"

Shearer, in a brief comment, said "NO," pointing to the fact that the four-time African champions were cheated in the said match.

Alan Shearer, age 52, in his prime, played for the England national team and club teams such as Southampton, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.

He won the Premier League with Blackburn in the 1994–95 season.

Aside from being the person who has scored the most goals in the Premier League, he is the fourth-highest goal scorer for the Three Lions of England.

In the game, the Black Stars of Ghana conceded their first goal in their first Group H game against the Portuguese on a spot kick by 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, a penalty many complain was a cheat to the African side.

Meanwhile, the captain of the Black Stars, Andre Dede Ayew, got Ghana’s equaliser in the 73rd minute, a goal that sought to end Africa’s goalless record in this year’s tournament.

Unfortunately for the Black Stars, Jao Felix put Portugal in the lead with a goal he registered five minutes after Ghana’s equalizer, in the 78th minute, followed swiftly by a third goal from 23-year-old Rafael Leao in a very contentious attack.