Outraged World Cup fans demand FIFA suspend Argentina ace for England game after rule breach
Argentina booked their place in the World Cup semi-final vs England with a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland.
Angry World Cup fans have called on FIFA to ban Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez from the semi-final clash against England, after pointing out a breach of rules. The forward scored the goal to seal the nation’s win over Switzerland and book a place in the final four.
Argentina needed extra time to overcome 10-man Switzerland, with the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes. However, Julian Alvarez’s 112th-minute strike put his side ahead, with Martinez making it 3-1 in added time.
The final goal sparked scenes of celebration, with Martinez jumping the barrier to celebrate with fans. The striker was on a yellow card at the time, with fans on social media believing he should have been shown a second, and therefore face suspension for the England game.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page
Posting on X, one fan pointed out: “Lautaro Martinez was already on a yellow card when he scored the goal. Despite that he crossed the Barrier and went up to the stands to celebrate.
“This is a Yellow Card offence which would've ruled him out against England. So the Ref and VAR decided to forget about the Rule.”
Another fan wrote: “Interesting, @FIFAcom @FIFAWorldCup. Interesting…”
“Lautaro Martinez was already on a yellow, scored, then climbed onto the perimeter fencing to celebrate with the fans,” a third said. By the letter of the law, that’s usually a cautionable offence. No second yellow, no semi-final suspension. People will ask questions."
Fans on Reddit also had their say. “It's clear and simple. He just shouldn't be able to face England in the next game,” one said. “Didn't the referee see that? I really doubt so... Also, it was a moment that could result in player's red card (due to second yellow card), so, shouldn't the VAR intervene?”
A second added: “If [Breel] Embolo gets a second yellow for diving, then surely he gets a second yellow for going into the crowd which has always been the rules,” one said.
In IFAB and FIFA’s laws of the game, it is stated that: “Players can celebrate when a goal is scored, but the celebration must not be, excessive; choreographed celebrations are not encouraged and must not cause excessive time-wasting.”
It is added that: “A player must be cautioned, even if the goal is disallowed for:
- Climbing onto a perimeter fence and/or approaching the spectators in a manner which causes safety and/or security issues
- Acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way
- Covering the head or face with a mask or other similar item
- Removing the shirt or covering the head with the shirt.”
The decision that saw Breel Embolo shown a second yellow card for Switzerland in the second half caused some controversy, with VAR involved in the decision. While VAR still doesn’t have the power to award a second yellow card, the officials used the ‘mistaken identity’ aspect.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was originally shown a yellow for a challenge on Embolo. But replays showed that there was no contact, with the review seeing the yellow card transferred to Embolo, who was already on a booking.
The law has been branded as 'unacceptable' by Switzerland manager Murat Yakin. "There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card.," he said.
"It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue. We were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable.
"I don't understand it. The fact that they intervened unnecessarily is extremely hurtful. It's a rule that has nothing to do with football. It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it is painful to lose that way."
This is not the first time Argentina have been at the centre of some controversial decisions at the World Cup. Egypt were furious after VAR ruled out Mostka Ziko's goal, leading to some fans claiming the tournament is 'rigged'.
England will now take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night (8pm). The Three Lions booked their place in the final four with a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway.
Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!