Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAlan Shearer slammed the referee's failure to call for the hydration break during England vs Ghana, during a separate stoppage.The hydration break, one of the most-hated aspects of the 2026 World Cup, would have slotted in near perfectly during the stoppage.The event occurred after Reece James and Jordan Ayew collided heads, prompting a brief break from the game.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kAlan Shearer slams suspect FIFA motive during England vs GhanaShearer, the highest goalscorer in Premier League history, was far from impressed after the event.As the game was stopped, and the hydration break near, it did not sit right with the ex-England international that the referee refused to allow them to overlap. You may like World Cup hydration breaks are thwarting attacking play in North America - and here's the proof Why ITV aren't showing adverts during World Cup hydration breaks Hydration breaks in European leagues proposed, with BBC pundits discussing 'quarters' Speaking on commentary duty alongside Guy Mowbray, the former Newcastle striker said: 'It's crazy for the referee to not just say 'let's have the hydration break now.'"Mowbray then described a possible reason for the failed overlap, hinting at suspect FIFA motives: the esteemed commentator, one of football's most recognisable voices, surmised that it was likely due to advertising.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.As there was no advertising schedule lined up at that time, the decision was instead made to keep the hydration break separate.Both commentators agreed with the assessment, as England's battle to beat Ghana in their Group L fixture was momentarily derailed to accommodate for two separate breaks.TOPICSAlan ShearerEnglandGhanaWorld Cup 2026Kedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
