Viewers swarm to Twitter in outrage after Angel Di Maria wins early Argentina penalty against France

Fans swarmed to Twitter to have their say after a controversial penalty gave Argentina the advantage in Sunday’s World Cup final heavyweight bout.

Angel Di Maria gave his side a penalty early in the first half of the World Cup final after appearing to be sent off by Frenchman Ousmane Demebele in the 22nd minute.

Lionel Messi stepped up to successfully convert the penalty by sending France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way to give the Albiceleste an early 1-0 lead.

The referee blew his whistle for the foul after what appeared to be a tackle from Dembele from behind the Juventus star

Joe Barton was quick to disagree, saying, “Never been a penalty.”

And Piers Morgan agreed, claiming, “That wasn’t a penalty.”

Their thoughts summed up the general viewer consensus, though some fans took it a step further.

One viewer stated that the punishment was higher than anything they’d seen before, saying “That’s one of the dumbest things I’ve seen in a grand finale.”

For some fans, the award of the penalty kick in the final was just the last of a string of penalties Argentina conceded.

Lionel Messi converted the penalty for his sixth goal of the tournament and his fourth from the spot

One fan wrote: ‘Pretty ridiculous right now when it comes to Argentina and penalties. Never seen anything like it.’

Another added: “That’s definitely not a penalty, but I’m not surprised they gave it to Argentina. We all knew how this game was going to go before it even started.”

And a third claimed: ‘How many penalties did Argentina take in this World Cup. Ridiculous decision.’

A fourth concluded: ‘Without dubious penalties all of them received during the tournament, there’s no way they (Argentina) will win.’

Fans took to Twitter to protest the penalty being awarded, with many believing it was a soft penalty

For others, it was evidence of FIFA’s attempt to give Messi even more chances to score.

The Argentina captain scored his sixth goal of the competition against France, but his fourth from the spot.

An irate viewer said: ‘No yellow card for absurd foul on Lloris and another nice present from the ref. Penalty given way too easily. FIFA-Qatar-Messi golden trio.’

And a second claimed: ‘This obsession FIFA has with your goat is ridiculous!! That wasn’t a penalty, I just checked!!! Again!’

Some viewers have claimed the penalty is part of a growing move by FIFA to give Messi goal-scoring opportunities

However, for some there was enough evidence to award the penalty, after the Barcelona winger cut Di Maria.

Alan Shearer claimed: ‘Who else but Messi!!! Pen was the right decision.’

And Mark Goldbridge echoed the claim, writing, “Just a pen to me. Dembele clips it.’

For Chris Dixon, the decision was of secondary importance, with the main event being the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s new ability to convert from the spot.

Dixon wrote: ‘Appreciation to whoever finally taught Messi how to take penalties.’

But one French fan remained resolute regardless of the controversial penalty, saying: “We all agreed there was no way for a penalty here, but whatever, we’ll fight to the end, but please don’t get so much seum.”