‘Sets a dangerous precedent’ – Richards leads fury at controversial decision that’s ‘set the tone’ for World Cup final

MICAH RICHARDS believes the controversial decision not to book Alexis Mac Allister’s early challenge in the World Cup final “sets a dangerous precendent”. Sunday night’s showpiece started off in hectic fashion with a number of early chances and tackles flying in. Alexis Mac Allister was somehow not booked after flying in at Dani Olmo in the World Cup final Credit: Reuters Micah Richards said it ‘sets a dangerous precedent’ after the referee failed to show a yellow Credit: AP One of those challenges was from Liverpool’s Mac Allister, who went in hard on Spain‘s Dani Olmo to leave the midfielder writhing in pain. And ex-England defender Richards couldn’t believe referee Slavko Vincic hadn’t issued a yellow after seeing the crunching tackle. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! He told BBC Sport: “We saw in Argentina’s semi-final against England how early refereeing decisions set the tone for the game, and that Alexis Mac Allister challenge should have been a yellow card. “It sets a dangerous precedent, as Argentina will feel they can get away with roughing up Spain.” READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP Former Three Lions striker Alan Shearer agreed and called Mac Allister “very fortunate” to escape the booking. Chris Sutton was also critical of the decision and said it summed up Argentina’s status as “a bunch of bar room brawlers”. He said: “It’s a late challenge. That has to be a yellow card, and guess what? The referee hasn’t gone to his pocket. “This is what Argentina do and what they are good at. They are a bunch of bar room brawlers. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS Lisandro Martinez became the first Argentina player to get booked in the 41st minute Credit: Alamy “And if they get away with it they will. Get a grip referee.” England’s former No1 keeper Joe Hart weighed in too, calling it “a big decision” from the referee that “gives Argentina a green light to do whatever they want.” Fans were baffled too as one wrote on X: “How is this not even a yellow card for Mac Allister???” Another said: “That’s a straight up yellow card. Mac Allister what were you thinking?” A third added: “That’s a yellow card in most games. Lucky escape.” Eventually Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez became the first player to be booked in the final after hacking down Mikel Oyarzabal from behind. But that didn’t come until the 41st minute and came after Cristian Romero also was fortunate not to be booked. Comment now