Wales have been on the incorrect finish of a VAR howler throughout their 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Latvia on Monday night time. Janis Ikaunieks in some way stayed on the pitch regardless of lashing out at guests midfielder Jordan James with a wild uncontrolled deal with.

Wales headed into the match determined for 3 factors. They misplaced their earlier two qualifiers in June towards Armenia and Turkey to place direct progress to subsequent summer time's match unsure.

Rob Page's aspect had a person despatched off in each of these matches. But the Wales boss will likely be proper to really feel aggrieved that they weren't enjoying towards 10 males for the ultimate half an hour or so on Monday.

Aaron Ramsey's first-half penalty had put Wales into the lead. Latvia, who're but to win a degree in Group D, weren't making it simple for the Welsh although.

But as they tried to get again into the sport, VAR was known as into motion. Ikaunieks was given a yellow card by Slovakian referee Michael Ocenas for a foul on Birmingham star James.

However, replays confirmed that Ikaunieks caught James a lot increased than initially thought. He appeared to lash out along with his left foot and catch James on the left knee.

VAR regarded on the incident and Ocenas was advisable to overview it on the pitchside monitor. It has turn into nearly customary within the Premier League that referees aspect with VAR when going to the monitor.

But after seeing the deal with in sluggish movement and regular velocity, Ocenas determined to stay along with his authentic choice. A free kick was given and Latvia stored all 11 males on the pitch as they pushed for a late equaliser.

Former Wales striker Ian Walsh was aghast that Ikaunieks was not given his marching orders. He mentioned on BBC Radio Wales: "He's lost possession and he's just lashed out. That is a nasty, nasty challenge.

"It's up in the direction of the left knee and he might have put him out for the season with that. That is an absolute joke.

"You talk about standards, and all the intricate rules in football now that you can and you can't do. Something as obvious as that and you're not off the pitch. That is a disgrace."

Nathan Blake additionally couldn't imagine that VAR's advice did not see an improve from the preliminary yellow card. The ex-Wales worldwide mentioned: "I can't believe it. That is a disgraceful decision."

It nearly proved expensive when Latvia got here near drawing stage within the early phases. However, David Brooks lastly sealed the win for Wales deep into stoppage time.