24 Jun “Utterly ashamed”: Cameroon stage extraordinary mid-game protest over VAR

Cameroon staged an extraordinary mid-game protest over a VAR decision that went against them in their 3-0 loss to England in the FIFA Women's World Cup Round of 16.

The Cameroonians were furious after Ellen White's disallowed goal for offside was overturned by Chinese referee Qin Liang after a VAR review.

After the goal was given, Cameroon’s XI assembled on he halfway line and refused to play such was their dismay at the decision.

They were left further incensed after an early second-half goal from Ajara Nchout was ruled out after it was deemed offside via a VAR intervention as tensions boiled over.

The first on-field VAR protest?

Bizarre scenes from England v Cameroon overnight.

Following England's second goal, the Cameroonians refuse to play immediately after the re-start.#ENGCMR #FIFAWWC #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/I8z1R7w2j6

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 23, 2019

Ellen White's goal is confirmed as onside by VAR, and England double their lead against Cameroon.#ENGCMR #FIFAWWC #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/qvpu4iZY7F

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 23, 2019

Later in the match, Cameroon defender Augustine Ejangue was caught spitting toward England forward Toni Duggan but somehow avoided a red card, despite the availability of the VAR.

An enraged England coach Phil Neville says the African nation should be “utterly ashamed” by their behaviour.

Unsavoury scenes from England's match earlier against Cameroon, as #CAM defender Augustine Ejangue appears to spit on #ENG striker Toni Duggan.#FIFAWWC #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/99yIPfSQiq

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 23, 2019

"I am completely and utterly ashamed of the opposition," Neville said.

"When I started in management, I think it was Arsene Wenger that told me: The team mirror the manager.

"If that was my team – and it will never be any of my players – they would never play for England again, with that kind of behaviour.

"At times, we probably didn't know whether the game would continue.

"It didn't feel like football. It was a good win but that wasn't a World Cup last-16 tie in terms of behaviour that I want to see from footballers."