After feeling the wrath of Argentina’s star Lionel Messi, referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz has decided not to oversee any more World Cup matches after FIFA decision.
Last week, the Spaniard, Antonio Mateu Lahoz took charge of the South American’s quarter-final match against the Netherlands. Despite Argentina’s victory on penalties there were numerous complaints directed at the official.
Lahoz issued an eye-watering 17 yellow cards in a tense match, with Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries also receiving his marching orders despite the game having already ended. Meanwhile, two-goal hero Wout Weghorst received a booking even before taking the field.
Messi, who scored Argentina’s second goal of the game, voiced his displeasure with the official’s performance. “This match should not have ended the way it did,” he said.
“I’m not going to talk about the referee because they’re the ones who sanction you.” People, however, witnessed what occurred. We were scared before the game because we knew how he was, and I believe FIFA should look into this. You can’t put a referee like him in charge of these games.”
In the meantime, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez harshly criticized Lahoz’s performance. “The ref gave them [the Netherlands] everything,” he said. “Everything turned upside down.” He added ten minutes of extra time for no reason. He only wanted them to win. That referee is insane. Arrogant. You say something to him, and he responds. It’s insane.” He wanted to eliminate us because Spain had been eliminated. He is the World Cup’s worst referee. Hopefully, we won’t have to deal with him again – he’s useless.”
It has now been revealed that Lahoz’s performance has effectively ended his World Cup campaign. The 45-year-old will not be overseeing any more matches at the tournament and will return to Spain.
Lahoz is not the only official who has faced scrutiny for his actions during the World Cup over the last month. Wilton Sampaio, a Brazilian referee, received harsh criticism for his performance during England’s quarter-final loss to France.
Several Three Lions players slammed him in post-match interviews, including former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who called him a “absolute joke.”
“The referee had a nightmare game, an absolute joke of a referee,” he said. I’m not making excuses by saying it was all because of England’s defeat. He was simply a poor referee.”