Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguay international and Manchester United midfielder, was shown two yellow cards against England on Friday night, but he managed to avoid a red card in unusual circumstances. After confusion ensued, it was claimed that the midfielder had his second warning rescinded by the referee and was allowed to remain on the pitch as a result.
ITV commentators Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon were left baffled when Ugarte did not leave the field despite being shown an apparent second yellow card. Initially, it was claimed that this warning “did not exist”. A few minutes later, transparency emerged as it was revealed that the second yellow card had been revoked. Matterface said: “According to the fourth official, it looks like the second yellow was reversed. I don’t think it can be done yet… Maybe the laws of the game changed a little too early. We might just have overlooked a small mistake.”
In the aftermath of the match, ITV presenter Mark Pugatch suggested that Jose María Jimenez had actually been booked, as well as the second yellow not counting, at the point where it appeared that Ugarte had received the first yellow card.
Whether that’s the officials trying to save face or whether Ugarte really wasn’t shown a single yellow card in this match is completely debatable.
The International Football Association Board has updated the powers of video assistant referees, with new powers set to be introduced in the run-up to the World Cup. Under the revised regulations, VAR will be able to review red cards resulting from a clearly erroneous second yellow card.
The referee will also be allowed to investigate: In cases of mistaken identity, the referee will penalize the wrong team for the violation, resulting in the wrong player being shown a red or yellow card. Competitions may also allow VAR to evaluate corner kicks that are clearly awarded in error, provided the review can be completed quickly without delaying the restart.
Ugarte’s time on the pitch after receiving his ‘second’ yellow card was short-lived, as Marcelo Bielsa sent him off immediately afterwards.
England were forced to settle for a draw with Uruguay due to Ben White’s on-pitch confusion. The Arsenal defender was booed when introduced midway through the second half, but immediately gave England the advantage in the 81st minute.
The full-back reached the far post and scored from close range, making a huge comeback under manager Thomas Tuchel. Unfortunately, the defenders then gave away a penalty and Federico Valverde equalized from the penalty spot in the 94th minute.
Harry Maguire thought the decision was harsh. “It’s a hell of a penalty. It’s soft,” he said. “He kicked the ball over the bar. Ben just tried to block the shot. It’s not a bad tackle, it’s not malicious. It’s part of defending in the box and contact will happen.”
