Switzerland reduced to 10 after introducing new man-wrong VAR rules
Briel Embolo sheds tears after receiving a red card in the match between Switzerland and Argentina (Image: Getty Images)
Swiss star Briel Embolo was sent off after VAR used an incorrect identity rule. It was a landmark decision during the World Cup quarter-finals, when Leandro Paredes was given a yellow card and Embolo was shown a second yellow card.
The 29-year-old went to the ground looking for a foul and initiated contact with the Argentine midfielder, who was initially booked. However, Portuguese referee João Pinheiro was asked to go before a monitor and was advised to overturn the decision.
The Rennes forward was walking a tightrope of discipline for much of the match after a reckless challenge on Paredes just before half-time. His game, and perhaps his tournament, came to a heartbreaking end as he tried to trick Portuguese officials into booking the Boca Juniors midfielder only to see the decision reversed against him.
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Embolo had to be separated from the referee after the decision, but he looked frustrated as he left the pitch. He announced to the stadium: “After consideration, there were no fouls committed by numbers 5 and 7. There was a clear simulation and the final decision was a yellow card for number 7.”
This is the latest implementation of the new rules after IFAB introduced them ahead of this summer’s World Cup. The ruling was already used in the tournament when American Tim Ream was given a yellow card for a challenge on Miguel Almiron, who was cautioned for diving.
FIFA chief executive Pierluigi Colina backed the introduction of a misconception, which would mean a decision could be changed if a player was cautioned or sent off, but the opponent team had actually committed a foul.
Bril Embolo reprimanded the referee after receiving a red card in the World Cup quarter-finals, but to no avail. (Image: ITV Football)
Embolo was shown the customary yellow card after being found to have committed a simulation, and had already been sent off early in the encounter.
The men’s disadvantage comes at a critical time for the European team, which is coming back from a tough game. Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister outscored Manuel Akanji to open the scoring within 10 minutes, but they were behind in the first half.
Switzerland began to enjoy themselves in the second half, particularly in the wide areas, and it was here that Nottingham Forest’s Dan Ndoye scored.
He played a brilliant one-two with Ricardo Rodriguez down the left flank and passed Emiliano Martinez from an angle. This gave Switzerland a chance to take the lead, but Embolo was shown a red card five minutes after they had regained parity.
The winners of the quarterfinals defeated Norway 2-1 in extra time and will face England in the semifinals.
As a result of Embolo’s red card, the Swiss star forward will miss out on the last-four clash if the Three Lions surprise the defending champions.
