'Very lucky' - Ezri Konsa given frank response after England let-off
The Villa defender was at the centre of a major talking point.
Villa defender Ezri Konsa has been told he was “lucky” not to concede a penalty late in England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana.
Frustrated Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz joked the VAR must have gone “for a coffee” when the incident occurred during the final minutes in Boston.
Konsa made contact with Prince Adu’s knee but not the ball when he dived in after the midfielder had burst into the England box.
But Honduran referee Said Martinez ruled it wasn’t a foul, while VAR Armando Villarreal saw no reason to intervene, all of which left Queiroz bemused.
He said: "I'm not sure VAR is still working in the World Cup. We still have VAR? It's working?
"I have some doubts about that because another penalty that they need give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England (was missed). They're lucky. They're very lucky.
"It was a clear penalty, red card. You have any doubts about that? You guys who saw the game have any doubts about that or is it only me that was in the game?
"I'm sorry for my sarcasm, but if I say these kind of things seriously they punish me, so I hope you understand that I'm joking."
Konsa has started both of England’s group matches and was partnered in central defence against Ghana by Marc Guehi, after the latter replaced John Stones.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney agreed the Villa man had been fortunate not to concede a spot-kick.
Speaking on BBC One, Rooney said: "I think that's a penalty. Konsa takes a huge risk. His feet are off the floor when he comes flying in and he gets the man, not the ball.
"That could easily have been given in my view."