Danny Gabbidon slams ‘ridiculous’ Ethan Ampadu moment during Wales vs Belgium
Wales continued their quest for World Cup qualification on Monday, October 13, with a huge clash against Belgium.
The Dragons entered the cauldron in third position in Group K, but were only two points adrift of leaders North Macedonia, while Belgium were a point ahead in second.
Wales were thrashed 3-0 by England on Friday, which wasn’t ideal preparation heading into this contest, but Craig Bellamy’s side were confident of pulling off an upset.
Joe Rodon sent the Cardiff City stadium into pandemonium after heading home the opener inside eight minutes; however, Belgium staged a quickfire response through a Kevin De Bruyne penalty before Thomas Meunier put the visitors in the 24th minute.
Danny Gabbidon slams ‘ridiculous’ decision during Wales vs Belgium
Wales came out all guns blazing against Belgium, who were slow out of the blocks, but they were handed a lifeline from the penalty spot.
Kevin De Bruyne has Belgium level against Wales.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) October 13, 2025
The Napoli midfielder scored from the penalty spot after a handball was given against Ethan Ampadu. pic.twitter.com/69uf5y1z3k
Meunier’s strike from close proximity was adjudged to have struck Ethan Ampadu’s hand in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot after consulting with VAR.
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, former defender Danny Gabbidon felt Ampadu was unfortunate to concede a penalty, slamming the decision as ‘ridiculous’.
“Ampadu can’t do anything about that, but the threshold in international football is very different than what we see week-to-week,” Gabbidon said.
“You see these decisions given, but I think it’s ridiculous.“
The ball clearly strikes Ampadu’s arm, but as it’s from point-blank range, the Leeds United star has no time to get out of the way and is unfortunate to be penalised.
Wales are still in a healthy position to qualify
Regardless of what happens against Belgium, Wales are still in a healthy position to qualify for the World Cup.
North Macedonia, who are in second position, have played a game more, while the Dragons still have fixtures against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia to come.
- Liechtenstein vs Wales (15 November)
- Wales vs North Macedonia (18 November)
The team that finishes in first place automatically qualify for the World Cup, whereas the team in second position enter a play-off.
Wales have their work cut out to win the group, but second place is well within their reach, with their clash against North Macedonia looking decisive.