Scotland goalkeeper Lee Alexander experienced the cruellest of moments at the Women's World Cup last night.
The 26-year-old, from Stewartfield, became the talk of world football when she saved a late penalty - only for it to be re-taken and scored after a VAR review deemed her to be off her goal line when the first penalty was struck.
Alexander looked set become a national hero when she saved the first kick from Argentina's Florencia Bonsegundo with Scotland leading 3-2 in the Parc des Princes.
Scotland had to cling on for the win to have a chance of reaching the knockout rounds and when Alexander dived down low to her right to make the save, the country rejoiced and her team-mates rushed to congratulate her.
Within seconds that jubilation turned to dismay when VAR ruled in Argentina's favour - and Alexander was even booked for coming off her line.
Scotland were 3-0 up with 16 minutes to play, but the game ended in a 3-3 draw when Bonsegundo beat Alexander from the spot at the second attempt.
It sent Twitter alight, with many on social media bemoaning the use of VAR and pictures emerging showing Alexander still touching the goal-line with her left foot when the ball was struck. Other images appeared to show she had, in fact, left her line.
The incident sparked debate across the world over the use of VAR and the rule which states goalkeepers must have one foot on the line when the kick is taken.
I’m a fan of VAR... But that’s a ridiculous decision once again against Scotland...all penalties would be retaken if goalkeepers are getting called for that...
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) June 19, 2019
This picture would suggest Lee Alexander did nowt wring! pic.twitter.com/aTVQcShvJd
— Greenock (@mritgreenock) June 19, 2019
I'm not buying into this "Scotland threw it away" line. That game should have been won 3-2 with Lee Alexander the hero. If gk can have no forward momentum when preparing to save a pen, the game's done. Dont even get me started on added time... #SCOARG
— Jo Hendry (@_jo_hendry) June 19, 2019
The eagle-eyed VAR spotted Scotland goalkeeper Lee Alexander was this far off her line.
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) June 19, 2019
No wonder she saved it. #SCOARG
Lee Alexander got booked for coming off the line at that penalty.
— Mr Fixit's Tips (@mrfixitstips) June 19, 2019
New levels of refereeing madness at this WWC.
Lee Alexander got booked for coming off the line at that penalty.
— Mr Fixit's Tips (@mrfixitstips) June 19, 2019
New levels of refereeing madness at this WWC.
If VAR means that a penalty like this needs to be retaken then I don't want it! Utterly ridiculous decision and really feel for Scotland tonight! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/REE0uVlUWY
— Jason Canham (@jcanham1986) June 19, 2019
Scotland midfielder Leanne Crichton said: “Lee makes a fantastic save – and so what if she’s come off the line, every keeper in the world does.
"It’s impossible to get any kind of spring without coming forward.
“I feel so sorry for her but we’ve seen so many VAR decisions hurt teams and this one’s really hurt us.
“It’s a horrible way to go out and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
That decision wasn't the only thing that had the Tartan Army reeling with the performance of South Korean referee Ri Hyang-ok also slammed. She ended the game early after four minutes of stoppage time had been shown before all the VAR hold ups and players questioned her decisions.
Scotland defender Rachel Corsie said: “Their first goal was a foul and the third goal was just ridiculous. It was clear for everyone to see.
“They [the officials] are making it up and I don’t understand how that can be allowed at this level.
“It’s so disappointing that this has ultimately cost us the tournament but I’m proud of everybody.
“We gave everything and we were outstanding.
“The girls are upset but we’ll bounce back.”
