Hungarian ref fails to see one of the longest handballs in history

HUNGARIAN referee Gyoengyi Gaal has apologised to FIFA for missing an obvious handball during Equatorial Guinea’s 3-2 loss to Australia at the Women’s World Cup on Sunday.

Equatorial Guinea’s Bruna caught and held on to the ball in the penalty area for a few moments, believing a free-kick had been awarded. Realising her error, the defender then let the ball drop to the ground but Gaal waved play on.

The tournament in Germany is not using the two additional officials behind the goals that have been tested out in other tournaments.

The loss to Australia and Brazil’s 3-0 win over Norway means that the African side can no longer reach the quarter-finals.

Gaal, who has been a referee since 2002, has not been named to officiate in any of the eight final group games.