'This borders on the ridiculous' - Ex-refs chief baffled by Bradley Barcola incident in France win vs Belgium

Bradley Barcola was caught up in controversy "bordering on the ridiculous" during France's 1-0 win over Belgium.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee made a "clear and obvious error" on Monday, 28 September.

Liverpool fans, especially, are furious with Lille's Nathan Ngoy, with many claiming that the defender attempted to injure his opponent.

Just 20 minutes into the game and Barcola had broken free behind Belgium's back line, bursting into the penalty area before being shoved over.

Understandably, the 24-year-old winger was baffled when turning around to see the referee not interested in the slightest, and he's not the only one.

While Zinedine Zidane's finally sealed all three points via a Michael Olise wondergoal, many will still be frustrated by the early penalty controversy.

Bradley Barcola in 'disappointing' controversy away from Anfield

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett simply couldn't believe the footage, revealing his disappointment over the decision on the international stage.

"This outcome is bordering on the ridiculous. Referee Rade Obrenovic doesn't award a penalty for a very blatant push," he said.

"In looking at it closely, the referee is not in contact with play; he is several yards away from the incident, and not in a good viewing position.

"It is likely that the offending player who pushed his opponent is masking the referee's ability to see the offence. Therefore, he does nothing.

"In not awarding a penalty kick, the referee has made a clear and obvious error. VAR Matej Jug, at this point, should have intervened and requested the referee visit the pitchside monitor to review.

"It's really disappointing that a big and easy decision is not dealt with in accordance with the laws of the game. The offending player should also have received a yellow card."

What did the stats say about the Liverpool star's display?

While everyone is getting caught up on the controversial incident, many are ignoring the 24-year-old overall display in Brussels.

Although he failed to get on the scoresheet, it was still an impressive 77 minutes from the winger, who continued to cause issues for Belgium.

He completed 100 per cent of his passes, 100 per cent of his dribbles, and won 100 per cent of his aerial duels, as well as making two recoveries and making nine touches in the opposition's box [FotMob].

His pace and skill was there for all to see, with absolutely no doubt that Barcola is soon to explode into life at Anfield this season.