Argentina star faces calls for suspension ahead of England semi-final
Calls have emerged for Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez to be suspended from the upcoming World Cup semi-final against England. Supporters have highlighted a potential rule violation during Argentina’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland, where Martinez celebrated a goal by climbing into the stands despite already having a yellow card.
The incident occurred after Martinez scored Argentina’s third goal, securing a 3-1 win in extra time. This goal followed Julian Alvarez‘s 112th-minute effort, breaking a 1-1 deadlock after 90 minutes. Following his goal, Martinez vaulted a barrier to celebrate with fans in the stands.
Controversy surrounding celebration
Fans on social media platforms, including X and Reddit, have argued that Martinez’s celebration should have resulted in a second yellow card. According to the laws of the game by IFAB and FIFA, a player must be cautioned for climbing onto a perimeter fence or approaching spectators in a manner that causes safety or security issues. A second yellow card would have led to his suspension from the semi-final match against England.
One supporter on X noted, “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 on Reddit stated, “It’s clear and simple. He just shouldn’t be able to face England in the next game.”
The match also saw another controversial moment involving Switzerland‘s Breel Embolo. Embolo received a second yellow card after VAR intervened, leading to his dismissal. Initially, Leandro Paredes of Argentina was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Embolo, but replays showed no contact. The yellow card was then transferred to Embolo, who was already on a caution.
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin expressed strong disapproval of the decision, calling the rule “unacceptable.” He stated, “There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card. It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue.” Yakin added, “We were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don’t understand it. The fact that they intervened unnecessarily is extremely hurtful.”
This is not the first instance of contentious decisions involving Argentina in the tournament. Earlier, Egypt had a goal disallowed by VAR, leading some supporters to suggest the competition was “rigged.”
Team health and upcoming fixture
Despite the gruelling quarter-final match, Argentina reportedly emerged with a clean bill of health. While Lionel Messi received treatment for an eye injury after a bump from Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka, and Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes were substituted due to physical exhaustion, there are no reported major injuries.
Romero, the Tottenham captain, commented on his substitution, stating, “I hadn’t played for more than three months. The heat and everything made it difficult. I finished a bit tired, and the coach put [Nicolas] Otamendi in, who was fresher.” Julian Alvarez, the goalscorer, also appears to have recovered from an ankle injury that required injections late last season.
The semi-final match between England and Argentina is scheduled for Wednesday evening at 8pm BST. England secured their spot in the last four with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway.
The other semi-final will feature France against Spain, set for Tuesday evening at 8pm BST. There will be no World Cup action on the current day, with a two-day break before the semi-finals commence.
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated that Donald Trump will be present for the World Cup trophy presentation ceremony. Infantino stated, “Hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final. That’s always been the plan—and that’s how it’s always been done in the past—for the president of the country hosting the final to present the trophy together with the FIFA president.”
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Source: express.co.uk
