Referee criticism! Argentina goalie threatened with suspension – World Cup 2022

Argentina wants the World Cup! With a 6:5 penalty shoot-out against the Netherlands, the “Gauchos” made it into the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar. Before the fight for the final against Croatia on Tuesday, the South Americans are also giving away a lot. Target of criticism: Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz. But the harsh tones could have unpleasant consequences.

“You can’t use a referee like that for a game like that. He’s not up to par,” said superstar Lionel Messi about the referee. Postscript: “I’m very angry. People saw what happened. I don’t think it was supposed to end like this. We were afraid of the game because we knew who he was.”

In fact, Lahoz is not an undisputed referee. He is considered a self-promoter and is not particularly popular with the Argentines. Background: In November 2020, a few days after the death of Diego Maradona, Messi celebrated his goal in an original Maradona jersey from Newell’s Old Boys – and received a yellow card from the Spaniard. In the World Cup clash with the Netherlands, Messi was yellow again for complaining that the Dutch got the free-kick that led to Weghorst’s equaliser.

But Messi’s teammate Martinez went even further in his criticism. “This referee is crazy, arrogant. You say something to him and he talks back, it’s crazy. Because Spain were eliminated, he wanted us out too. He’s the worst referee at the World Cup. Hopefully we don’t meet again him, he’s worthless,” said the Argentina goalkeeper.

These words can result in a World Cup suspension for the goalie. Because FIFA has now opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentines. “FIFA is investigating possible violations of article 12 (misconduct by players and officials) and 16 (order and safety during the game) of the FIFA Code of Conduct,” the world governing body said. That means: in the worst case, the Argentina goalie faces a suspension for the semifinals against Croatia.

During the duel with the Dutch, there were repeated misconduct, provocations and skirmishes on both sides. Even after the penalty shoot-out there was still friction on the field, Holland’s Denzel Dumfries was still yellow-red after the final whistle. FIFA is also investigating against the Netherlands.