Furious World Cup supporters are demanding FIFA exclude Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez from the semi-final showdown with England, after highlighting a rule violation. The forward netted the decisive goal that confirmed his nation's victory over Switzerland and secured their spot in the last four.
Match Details and Celebration Controversy
Argentina required extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland, with the match deadlocked at 1-1 after normal time. Julian Alvarez's 112th-minute effort gave his team the lead, before Martinez added a third in stoppage time to make it 3-1. The final strike prompted jubilant scenes, with Martinez leaping over the advertising boards to celebrate amongst supporters.
The striker was already carrying a yellow card at that moment, with social media users arguing he should have received a second booking, which would rule him out of the England fixture.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
Writing on X, one supporter highlighted: "Lautaro Martinez was already on a yellow card when he scored the goal. Despite that he crossed the Barrier and went up to the stands to celebrate. This is a Yellow Card offence which would've ruled him out against England. So the Ref and VAR decided to forget about the Rule."
Another supporter commented: "Interesting, @FIFAcom @FIFAWorldCup. Interesting.." "Lautaro Martinez was already on a yellow, scored, then climbed onto the perimeter fencing to celebrate with the fans," a third said. "By the letter of the law, that's usually a cautionable offence. No second yellow, no semi-final suspension. People will ask questions."
Supporters on Reddit also voiced their opinions. "It's clear and simple. He just shouldn't be able to face England in the next game," one said. "Didn't the referee see that? I really doubt so... Also, it was a moment that could result in player's red card (due to second yellow card), so, shouldn't the VAR intervene?" A second added: "If [Breel] Embolo gets a second yellow for diving, then surely he gets a second yellow for going into the crowd which has always been the rules."
IFAB and FIFA Laws on Celebrations
According to IFAB and FIFA's laws of the game: "Players can celebrate when a goal is scored, but the celebration must not be excessive; choreographed celebrations are not encouraged and must not cause excessive time-wasting." It is further stipulated that: "A player must be cautioned, even if the goal is disallowed for: climbing onto a perimeter fence and/or approaching the spectators in a manner which causes safety and/or security issues; acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way; covering the head or face with a mask or other similar item; removing the shirt or covering the head with the shirt."
Previous Controversial Decisions
The controversial decision to show Switzerland's Breel Embolo a second yellow card in the second half has sparked debate, with VAR playing a crucial role. While VAR cannot directly issue a second yellow card, officials utilised the 'mistaken identity' provision to make the call. Initially, Argentina's Leandro Paredes received a yellow card for a challenge on Embolo. However, replays revealed no contact had occurred, prompting the review which saw the caution transferred to Embolo, who was already on a booking.
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin has condemned the law as 'unacceptable'. "There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card," he said. "It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue. We were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don't understand it. The fact that they intervened unnecessarily is extremely hurtful. It's a rule that has nothing to do with football. It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it is painful to lose that way."
England vs Argentina Semi-Final
This isn't the first occasion Argentina have found themselves embroiled in contentious World Cup decisions. Egypt were left seething after VAR disallowed Mostka Ziko's goal, prompting some supporters to suggest the competition is 'rigged'. England will now face Argentina in Wednesday night's World Cup semi-final (8pm). The Three Lions secured their spot in the last four following a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway.
