Antonio Mateu Lahoz, the referee who officiated the quarterfinal clash between Argentina and the Netherlands, has reportedly been sent home from the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022.
Lohaz handed out an incredible 13 yellow cards in the 90 minutes of game time and three other yellow cards in extra-time up until the penalties that saw Argentina defeat Netherlands 4-3 to secure a place in the semi-finals against Croatia.
The referee’s performance was not well received by either of the teams with Argentina’s captain and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, leading the criticism of Lahoz.
“I don’t want to speak about referees because after they will sanction you. But people saw what happened. I think FIFA must take care of this, it cannot put a referee like that for a match of such magnitude, of such importance. The referee cannot fail to be up to the task,” Messi was quoted as saying after the match.
Meanwhile, media reports suggest that the referee being sent home from Qatar may not be linked to the quarterfinal clash between Argentina and the Netherlands.
As soon as the news broke, fans were quick to assume that the referee’s exit from the World Cup may be because of Messi’s post-match remark, where he urged FIFA to not put an official like Lahoz in a match of such magnitude.
Earlier, Lahoz had issued eight yellow cards in two group-stage matches.
Consequently, Lahoz will not be officiating in either the semi-finals or final of the World Cup.
Argentina faces Croatia on Tuesday (today) while Morocco will face defending champions France on Wednesday.
The winners will advance to the World Cup final which will take place on Sunday, 18 December, 2022
