Firstly, Nikita Parris was elbowed by Cameroon’s Yvonne Leuko, before Toni Duggan was spat on by Augustine Ejangue.
The African side were more than fortunate to not be down to nine men after the disgusting double blow.
Leuko escaped with only a yellow after viciously swinging her elbow into the jaw of star winger Parris.
Moments later, Duggan was spat on by Ejangue – who was also only booked for her troubles, with fans disappointed at the lack of VAR.
But the Lionesses took the lead seconds later after a dreadful defensive gaffe by Ejangue – after she passed the ball back to her own keeper, who picked it up.
With all 11 Cameroon players on the goal-line, the indirect free-kick was played back to Steph Houghton, who coolly, yet powerfully rolled the ball into the far corner to go 1-0 up.
Phil Neville’s side then went on to seal a last-eight showdown with Norway thanks to further strikes from Ellen White and Alex Greenwood in the controversial 3-0 win.
DIRTY”
Despite that, fans on Twitter were focused on the horrific early double incident.
One fan said: “Ugh that dirty spit at Toni Duggan – absolutely no need.”
Another added: “Toni Duggan spat on and not seen and an elbow to Parris face that was only given as a yellow.”
A third claimed: “13 minutes in – they have elbowed @lilkeets & only got a yellow card. They have spat on @toniduggan & got no card!!”
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the bonkers opening few minutes of the crucial Women’s World Cup clash…
Thesun report.
