Lautaro Martinez scores Argentina’s third goal in a 3-1 win over Switzerland. (Image: Hector Vivas – FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
Furious World Cup supporters demanded that FIFA suspend Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez from the semi-final match against England for violating regulations. The forward scored the goal that sealed victory against Switzerland, sealing their place in the last four.
Argentina needed extra time to overcome the 10-man Switzerland and the scoreline was deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes. Still, a goal from Julian Alvarez in the 112th minute gave his team the lead, before Martinez sealed a 3-1 victory in stoppage time.
This decisive goal sparked jubilant celebrations, with Martinez jumping over the fence to join the supporters in the stands. By this point, the striker already had a yellow card, with fans claiming on social media that he should have received a second card, which would have ruled him out of the match against England.
One supporter wrote on X: “Lautaro Martinez had already received a yellow card when he scored the goal, but he nevertheless climbed over the fence into the stands and celebrated.
“It was a yellow card violation and meant he couldn’t play against England. So the referee and VAR decided to forget the rules.”
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Martinez celebrated his goal with Argentine fans. (Image: Juan Mavromata, AFP, via Getty Images)
Another supporter posted: “Interesting, @FIFAcom @FIFAWorldCup. Interesting…”
“Lautaro Martinez had already received a yellow, but he scored and then climbed the surrounding fence to celebrate with the fans,” a third source said. “According to the text of the law, this is normally an alarming crime.
“No second yellow, no semi-final suspension. People will have questions.”
Supporters on Reddit also voiced their opinions. One said: “Plain and simple. He should not be available against England in the next game.”
“Didn’t the referee see that? I really doubt it… And shouldn’t VAR have intervened because it was a moment when the player could have been given a red card (for the second yellow card)?”
He added: “If (Briel) Embolo gets a second yellow for diving, I’m sure he’ll get a second yellow for going into the crowd. That’s the usual rule.”
The IFAB and FIFA Laws of the Game clearly state: “Athletes may celebrate when a goal is scored, but such celebrations must not be excessive. Choreographed celebrations are discouraged and must not cause undue wastage of time.”
It also states: “Even if a goal is disallowed, players must be cautioned in the following cases:”
– Climb the perimeter fence or approach spectators in a way that creates a safety or security issue.
– Act in a provocative, derisive, or inflammatory manner.
・Cover your head and face with a mask etc.
– Take off your shirt or cover your head with your shirt. ”
This was not the only controversial aspect of the match, as Switzerland’s Briel Embolo received a second yellow card during the second half of the match against Argentina due to VAR intervention. VAR does not yet have the power to issue a second yellow card directly, but the authorities made use of the “mismatch of status” clause.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was initially given a yellow for his challenge on Embolo. However, replays showed there was no contact and, upon review, Embolo was given a yellow card, having already been booked.
The restrictions were labeled “unacceptable” by Swiss representative Murat Yakin. “There was absolutely no reason to give him a yellow card,” he said. “It was a harmless situation. He should have let the play continue.
“We were punished because of unacceptable regulations. I don’t understand it. The fact that they intervened unnecessarily is very hurtful.”
“This is a rule that has nothing to do with football. Today’s game was ruined. We have to accept that, but it hurts to lose like that.”
This is not the first time Argentina has been at the center of a controversial decision at the World Cup. Egypt were left upset after Mostka Zico’s goal was disallowed by VAR, with some supporters claiming the competition was “rigged”.
England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night (8pm). The Three Lions defeated Norway 2-1 in extra time and advanced to the final four.
