England's Under-15s found themselves at the centre of another controversy after a contentious penalty decision in their World Cup clash with Bolivia

England's Under-15s were thrust into fresh controversy following a disputed penalty award during their World Cup encounter with Bolivia.

The Young Lions, who have Nottingham Forest youngster Azae Bonnick in the squad, secured a 3-2 victory on Friday. However, it came about in controversial circumstances as t heir South American rivals declined to contest a stoppage-time spot-kick.

The match official, who promptly signalled for full-time, subsequently came under siege, with the England youngsters rushing to shield him. He'd ruled that a challenge on West Ham's Emmanuel Famokun had taken place inside the penalty area.

The Bolivian squad and backroom staff insisted the contact had occurred beyond the box, surrounding the referee while one member of coaching staff stormed onto the turf to indicate where the infringement had happened. Several cautions were shown but the ruling remained unchanged.

Consequently, their shot-stopper positioned himself against his right post and allowed Famokun to convert the penalty without resistance. England's youngsters rejoiced nonetheless, while the Bolivians once more vented their anger towards the match official.

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They offered mocking applause before one individual charged towards him, forcing the England players to sprint back and try to defuse the confrontation. The referee displayed a red card to the substitute who had attempted to confront him before being led away as hostilities escalated between both teams.

England's players were seen further inflaming tensions with their beaten rivals by celebrating in front of their dugout, with FIFA officials stepping in to defuse the situation before the two teams were eventually separated.

This follows an incident earlier in the week when the Under-15s abandoned their match against Republic of Ireland amid allegations of racist abuse. The game was called off with Ireland ahead 4-1 after an England player accused an opposition player of making a discriminatory remark.

The FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival is a new tournament founded this year as part of the international governing body's commitment to promote youth football. Azerbaijan have been hosting the inaugural event, which got under way on October 22 and wraps up on Saturday, October 31.

Over 3,000 players representing 189 FIFA member nations have taken part, competing in 8-a-side fixtures with 20-minute halves. England have claimed victories over Nicaragua, Montenegro, Cambodia, Zimbabwe, El Salvador and Georgia, while suffering losses to Zambia and Turkey.

Promising Reds teenager Bonnick has been in fine form for his country during the tournament. He has bagged five goals and three assists, having scored against Nicaragua, Cambodia (twice), Georgia and El Salvador.