Fifa defend controversial red card in Argentina World Cup clash despite lawmakers confirming decision was WRONG

FIFA have stood by the controversial decision to send off Breel Embolo against Argentina at the World Cup. It comes despite lawmakers Ifab admitting referee Joao Pinheiro made the wrong call during the quarter-final clash. Fifa have backed the decision to send off Breel Embolo for Switzerland against Argentina Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Embolo was sent off after ‘mistaken identity’ triggered a VAR check for simulation Credit: Getty Embolo was dismissed for Switzerland in their 3-1 defeat to Lionel Messi and Co in bizarre circumstances. He initially thought he had won a free kick on the edge of the box after a tackle from Leandro Paredes. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! But then VAR recommended an on-field review on the basis of ‘mistaken identity’. Pinheiro watched the footage, retracted the free kick and showed a second yellow to Embolo for diving. Ifab have insisted that ‘mistaken identity’ can only be used if there is doubt over the identity of the culprit. And the law dictates that the intervention cannot spark a review of the incident itself, so Embolo should have stayed on the pitch and the free kick awarded. But Fifa have insisted the decision was a correct one and said the simulation could not be disputed. Their statement read: “Fifa’s interpretation of Mistaken Identity was consistently applied during the Fifa World Cup. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Ifab insisted Embolo should have stayed on the pitch as there were no grounds for a review Credit: Shutterstock Editorial “There were two instances in which a player was mistakenly identified as having committed a yellow card offence and the VAR advised the referee to correct the factual error caused by the opponent’s simulation. “The simulation itself cannot be disputed and it should not result in a disciplinary sanction against an opponent that may then lead to further consequences, such as a sending off for a second yellow card or a match suspension for accumulated cautions. “We do not consider this to have been a referee or VAR error and the decision restored justice.” Fifa – who are under fire after reports they could sell off the World Cup – said it was aware of Ifab’s verdict, but said the organisation confirmed their interpretation was “valid and well received”. It added: “We note Ifab’s comments in its Circular, we have been in contact with them throughout and they confirmed that this interpretation is valid, that it was well received and that it will form part of the discussion on revisions to the VAR Protocol, as discussed at the last AGM.” There were a number of controversial incidents at the World Cup involving Argentina. Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji called their match “one-sided” and said: “Every dive and every foul by the Argentinians went unpunished.” Egypt made claims that their 3-2 defeat was “rigged” afer Mostafa Zico had a goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up. Mohamed Salah was also denied a penalty before Enzo Fernandez netted the winner. And in the group stage, some fans felt Messi was lucky to avoid a red card in their group stage opener against Algeria when he stepped on Aissa Mandi’s leg. Comment now