Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards discussed Argentina's contoversial 3-2 win over Egypt in the World Cup in the latest instalment of The Rest Is Football, with things taking a heated turn11:37, 08 Jul 2026Updated 11:54, 08 Jul 2026Alan Shearer was fuming that Mostafa Ziko's initial goal for Egypt against Argentina was disallowed on Tuesday evening, admitting "no wonder there's so many theories" and claims of the World Cup being rigged.‌The Newcastle United legend was joined by Gary Lineker, Micah Richards and Joe Cole on the latest instalment of The Rest Is Football, as they discussed the round of 16 clash in Atlanta. Yasser Ibrahim gave the African nation the lead early into the first-half, before Ziko thought he had doubled down midway through the second-half with a stunning relay-esque goal.‌Egypt dispossessed Argentina deep in their own-half, before Haissem Hassan ran the length of the pitch in remarkable fashion, taking on two Argentina players before finding Mohamed Salah. Salah then threaded a perfect pass to find Ziko in the box, with the No. 11 slotting past Emi Martinez.‌However, the goal was ultimately ruled out by VAR, citing a foul on Martinez before the Egyptian breakaway. It's a decision that was instantly lambasted by fans watching around the world, as well as Shearer on TRIF.He said: "The reason why, I guess, so many people will get angry is because - as much as I don't think the Salah incident in the penalty box was a penalty, as much as I don't think the shirt pull in the box was a penalty, that same logic applies for that free-kick which was given."So, if you're going to give that one, then there's a huge argument to say well one of those has to be...If you're giving that as a foul, you're actually going 110 yards back, and saying, 'Sorry that was a foul, we're going to disallow one of the best goals of the tournament.'‌"I think, and I can say what I want on here; I think it's utter and complete b***cks. I really do. No wonder there's so many theories about, 'It stinks.'Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!‌"You've got the top four in the world rankings, England, France, Spain and Argentina. If they win their group then it's guaranteed they can't meet each other until a semi-final. You've got interference from presidents making calls, and then you get that in that game because of Argentina."You think, 'No wonder.' You can't blame people for coming up with these theories, can you?"When Richards suggested that it was a foul on Martinez, Shearer erupted: "No Micah, the referee didn't give it. It was never, ever enough to say, 'Sorry, that is a clear and obvious foul.'"‌When Richards argued that as soon as it went to VAR the decision was made, Shearer replied: "Of course it was, but it's not that much of a howler to say, 'We're going to go 110 yards further back and we're going to rule it out.' They're saying that's a complete and utter foul."The referee didn't give it. So the referees earlier on in the tournament we not giving those fouls. I did an early game when [Kylian] Mbappe was fouled, it was a clear penalty."The referee went to the screen and said, 'No, I'm sticking with my decision; I'm not giving that.' Now you compare that to what was given today. Absolutely disgraceful."‌Lineker then opined that the problem isn't the people in charge of VAR, but the system itself. He said: "I'm totally with you, Alan, but the problem is we will never, ever get consistency from VAR because they change their tune."They weren't involved much at the start of the tournament, then they want to get involved, now they're being more involved, now they'll probably be less involved because there'll be a bit of a stink about this one. The problem is not necessarily all of the people doing VAR, the problem is VAR itself."He added: "That's where the problem with VAR is, this thing about, 'Is it enough of a foul?' If they just changed it and said it's either a foul or not, but at the moment they're still using this thing - it has to be enough of a turnover.Article continues below"Therefore, it will always be a nightmare. The only way out of this, as I've said a million times, is an appeal system which will eventually come, because we can't carry on as it is."While Ziko did manage to later get a second goal for Egypt, Argentina ultimately ran out 3-2 winners thanks to a late resurgence. They will now take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the tournament come Sunday, July 12 in Kansas City.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.