England youth clash descends into chaos with ref targeted after uncontested penalty

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Another England match at the Under-15 World Cup ended in controversy after they beat Bolivia courtesy of an uncontested penalty.The Young Lions secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in the competition’s ‘tournament phase’ in Baku, Azerbaijan, following a contentious last-minute spot-kick.England’s Under-15s are competing in the inaugural 2026 U-15 World Cup & FestivalGettyWith all the matches being eight-a-side and played over two 20-minute halves, the referee pointed to the spot in the 41st minute.What happened with the penalty incident?West Ham forward Emmanuel Famokun was brought down by a Bolivia player with the score at 2-2, with the foul appearing to take place outside the box.The decision sparked furious protests from the Bolivian players, who immediately surrounded the referee.Footage shows a coach storming onto the pitch and pointing to the spot where the challenge had taken place, prompting the match official to hand out multiple cards to members of the Bolivian backroom staff.And the protests continued when Famokun stepped up to take the penalty, as Bolivian players gathered by the touchline while the kick was taken, rather than the edge of the box.Then as the No11 stepped up to take it, the Bolivia goalkeeper moved over to the left side and refused to attempt the save.This allowed Famokun to roll the ball into the net, which proved to be the winner as the referee blew the final whistle just seconds later.Bolivia’s players sarcastically applauded the official as England‘s youngsters ran off celebrating, before ugly scenes unfolded.Unsavoury post-match scenesWhile the Young Lions celebrated, some Bolivia players ran over to the referee to confront him.As soon as England’s players spotted this, they stopped celebrating and ran towards the centre of the pitch where the official was being surrounded.Emmanuel Famokun rolled the ball into the net after the Bolivian goalkeeper refused to try and save it in protestDAZNAfter the Young Lions’ sealed victory, an ugly brawl unfolded as Bolivia’s youngsters were left furiousDAZNThe England youngsters appeared to rush in to protect the referee, before a huge scuffle unfolded between the two teams and staff.A Bolivian substitute was shown a red card for approaching the referee aggressively after a coach had angrily confronted the official.Both teams were eventually separated, after which multiple England players appeared to celebrate in the Bolivia squad’s faces.The FA is yet to comment on the scenes, while governing body FIFA will await the report from the match delegate before deciding whether to take any further action.More Young Lions controversyThe latest controversy comes four days after England’s Under-15s walked off the pitch following an alleged incident of racism during a match against Ireland.Young Lions boss Matt Thorpe withdrew his players in the 40th minute of the clash on Monday.The Young Lions are into the second phase of the FIFA Under-15 World Cup and FestivalGettyA FIFA spokesperson said afterwards: “FIFA is aware of an incident at the FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival match between England and the Republic of Ireland.“The match was abandoned by the referee following England’s refusal to continue.“The official reports are being gathered, and the matter will be referred to the independent disciplinary committee who will decide in due course.”