DPR Korea briefly refuse to play after VAR call in 'really disappointing' act as Matildas next opponent confirmed
China and DPR Korea's group B Asian Cup match at CommBank Stadium has been marred by controversy after the latter refused to play at one stage due to a referee decision.
With the score 1-1 and half-time just seconds away, China's Wang Shuang looked like she'd scored after a brilliantly crafted free kick.
The goal was ruled offside with VAR called in to check. The decision was reversed as the players celebrated passionately along with a pro-China crowd.
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"This is a very big moment," Andy Harper said on Paramount's coverage.
With a small amount of time left in the half, DPR Korea stood by the sideline refusing to go on the field.
DPR Korea coach Ri Song Ho was booked by the referee but that did nothing to get the players moving.
DPR Korea's coach argues with the referee. Paramount
"If there was ever any doubt of the magnitude of this encounter then what's happening now is removing all that doubt," Harper said.
The referee then gave up waiting and blew for half-time.
Former Matilda Ash Skyes was highly critical of the antics.
"It's really disappointing to see that this is still a tactic being deployed by DPR Korea," she said.
"Many a player who's played against them has seen this sort of thing deployed before. When they're not happy with a decision they often try and force the referees into changing that decision even though it's been reviewed now by multiple officials.
"... It's disappointing this is a tactic still being used and the disrespect shown to the referees at that time."
DPR Korea argue against the goal of Wang Shuang. Getty
DPR Korea came out in the second half and looked like they'd found the equaliser with 10 minutes left but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.
This time DPR Korea kept playing and couldn't find an equaliser, meaning they'll now play the Matildas in a quarter-final clash.
