Australian defender Alanna Kennedy was shown a straight red card against Norway in their Round of 16 clash at the Women's World Cup to the disbellief of players and fans.
After the Matildas forced the match into extra time, Kennedy was given her marching orders in the 104th minute with scores locked at 1-1 after appearing to drag down a Norwegian attacker.
The referee ruling that Kennedy was the last defender and denied a clear goal scoring opportunity with VAR deciding against overturning the decision.
With question marks over whether Norway were in a position to score and the level of Kennedy's contact, the red card didn't go down well with those watching on.
The Matildas were also denied a penalty earlier in the match with VAR that time intervening to rule against Australia.
Norway were unable to capitalise on Kennedy's dismissal in extra time but would triumph on penalties as they booked their place in the quarter-finals.
Kennedy, who was unable to watch the rest of the match due to a faulty TV, believes her sending off was harsh.
"I felt at the time that my body was in front of hers and it was more or less a 50/50 and as a striker you go down and milk it a little bit, but the decision is what it is and the girls did really well to get us into penalties and that shows the character in our team and we will come back from this," Kennedy said post-match.
"I think there needs to be a lot more clarity around the decisions of the referees.
"I think its been questionable throughout the whole tournament, and that's not the way we want to play."
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