Iain Dowie told Sky Sports during their live coverage of Northern Ireland’s defeat to the USA on Sunday that Arsenal youngster Daniel Ballard was unfortunate to give away a penalty.
In the second half, with the US winning the friendly encounter 1-0, Arsenal’s youth product was punished for seemingly fouling Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic.
The penalty was awarded and then converted by the £58 million (BBC Sport) quick-footed winger.
But it didn’t please former Northern Ireland international, Dowie, who blasted Pulisic for his ‘delayed dive’, as he was adamant that the Arsenal man got a touch of the ball.
“I think he gets a little bit of the ball here,” said Dowie. “I think he touches the ball here.
“He does. He does touch the ball. That’s not a penalty for me. That’s poor. That’s a poor decision. He catches the ball with his studs. It shouldn’t be a penalty.
“It’s definitely out (Northern Ireland’s luck). In my view, Daniel Ballard’s studs get a touch of the ball. He plays the ball. And it’s a bit of delayed dive, I have got to say.
“The referee falls for it. It’s a poor decision. He will look back on that.”
Even though Niall McGinn struck a thunderous shot into the top corner two minutes from time, it was still enough for the USA to hold onto a win.
Ballard might be an unknown name amongst Arsenal fans, so far, but he is slowly making a name for himself this season.
The hard-hitting centre-back is enjoying a fruitful loans spell at Blackpool, with the Tangerines currently sitting in a playoff spot in League One.
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