Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh made a huge call in the first half of England’s round-of-32 clash with DR Congo.The Three Lions went behind to an early Brian Cipenga strike and as they pushed for an equaliser, Harry Kane appeared to have been fouled by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi on the stroke of half time.Jordanian referee Makhadmeh drew plenty of ire for not giving England a first half penalty against DR CongoGETTYHowever, rather than blow for a penalty, Makhadmeh said it was a goal kick, although the England captain was not booked for diving.Kane looked to be clipped by Mpasi but the striker’s protests were waved away by Makhadmeh.The decision caused a stir on social media, with former England and Manchester United striker Michael Owen taking to X to voice his anger at the penalty not being awarded.“What chance have you got? If that’s not a penalty on Kane I don’t know what is. Absolute disgrace,” Owen posted.View Tweet: https://x.com/themichaelowen/status/2072361086137868788?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwThe round-of-32 clash is the third game the 39-year-old has taken charge of having officiated Spain’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde and Belgium’s 5-1 win over New Zealand.Who is Adham Makhadmeh?Makhadmeh was born in Irbid, Jordan, in February 1987.And despite his age, Makhadmeh already boasts ample experience as a referee.Indeed, he was appointed a full international referee by FIFA back in 2013.A pinnacle of his officiating career prior to the 2026 World Cup came in 2017, when he reffed the first leg of the AFC Champions League final between Al-Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds.Makhadmeh explaining to Kane why he didn’t award a penalty in the round-of-32 clash between England and DR CongoAdditionally, he also refereed games at both the Asian Cup and Arab Cup, overseeing the quarter-final clash between Algeria and UAE at the latter tournament last year.Makhadmeh is hardly the most card-happy referee at the World Cup either.He dished out two yellows in both World Cup matches he officiated prior to England’s game against DR Congo.However, that does fall below his 2025/26 average, where he awarded 4.7 cards per match.