Breel Embolo red card after VAR review for mistaken identity impacts World Cup quarter-final
Mistaken Identity Rule Applied in Quarter-Final
Switzerland forward Breel Embolo received a red card during his country’s World Cup quarter-final match against Argentina, marking the first time a player has been sent off under a new mistaken identity rule at this summer’s tournament. The incident occurred in the 72nd minute of the game, five minutes after Switzerland had equalised against the defending world champions.
The initial yellow card was issued to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes following what appeared to be a challenge. However, the video assistant referee (VAR) intervened, prompting referee Joao Pinheiro to review the play at the monitor. Upon review, the official determined that Embolo had simulated a foul, leading to his second yellow card and subsequent ejection from the match.
The decision left Embolo visibly distressed, and he was consoled by his teammates as he departed the pitch in Kansas City. This application of the mistaken identity rule had a significant impact on the game’s outcome, with Argentina ultimately securing a 3-1 victory in extra time against the 10-man Swiss side.
Swiss Coach Criticises Decision
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin expressed strong disapproval of the decision, stating there was no justification for the initial yellow card. He described the situation as harmless and believed play should have been allowed to continue. Yakin criticised the rule itself, calling it unacceptable and asserting that it had nothing to do with football, ultimately destroying his team’s game.
Yakin also commented on Embolo’s state after the match, noting that the player was shattered and felt he could not help the team. He maintained that the incident was a referee’s mistake. Despite the team’s disappointment, Yakin praised his players for their passion, even after being reduced to 10 men.
Midfielder Remo Freuler echoed his coach’s sentiments, expressing confusion over the VAR’s intervention in such a situation. He questioned why the referee was called to review a common type of foul, especially given similar incidents in the first half that did not warrant such scrutiny. Freuler suggested that the VAR’s involvement in this instance significantly altered the game’s trajectory.
Pundit Reactions and Rule Clarification
Pundits watching the match offered limited sympathy for Embolo. Former Major League Soccer striker Bradley Wright-Phillips commented that he felt for Embolo’s teammates, but not for the player himself, suggesting Embolo may have cost his team a chance at the semi-finals. Former Jamaica international Jobi McAnuff added that Embolo let himself and his teammates down, acknowledging the simulation while also expressing some pity for the player’s situation.
The new law, introduced by FIFA for the tournament, allows for a decision to be changed if a player is booked or sent off but the foul was actually committed by the opposition team. Pierluigi Collina, head of referees, specifically requested this rule for mistaken identity. In this case, the VAR, Guillermo Pacheco Larios, recommended a review after footage showed Embolo initiating his fall before contact was made by Paredes. The offense was then reclassified from recklessness by Paredes to simulation by Embolo.
This was the second instance of the mistaken identity rule being applied in this manner during the World Cup. Earlier in the tournament, USA defender Tim Ream was initially booked for a foul on Miguel Almiron. The VAR intervened, and after review, the referee rescinded Ream’s caution and instead booked Almiron for simulation. This expansion of the mistaken identity rule by the International Football Association Board before the World Cup now covers situations where a player is booked but the offense was committed by the opposing team. Argentina will now face England in the semi-finals.
Read Also
Source: bbc.com
