'Achraf Hakimi deserved caution in Brazil vs Morocco, but this is why VAR didn't send him off'
Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi should have seen his name taken during Morocco's draw with Brazil, but calls for a sending off were too far.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that referee Slavko Vincic made a disappointing mistake on Saturday, 13 June.
Ismael Saibari and Vinicius Junior put on a first-half show at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with nobody able to break the deadlock in the 1-1 draw.
The game could have changed completely on the stroke of half-time, though, as Morocco's No.2 dived into a challenge on Vinicius, with Brazil fans desperate for a red card to be shown.
Instead, the Real Madrid star was left furious about no foul being given, with salt being rubbed into his wounds as Hakimi won a free-kick off Lucas Paqueta moments later.
Serious questions were asked about why VAR had not intervened on the high challenge, with Hackett now delivering a walk-through of the controversial footage.
Slavko Vincic at fault in Achraf Hakimi controversy
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee was relieved not to see another player sent off, but did criticise referee Vincic.
"Right, I'm clear, having looked at it, I recognise why VAR didn't come in because I think it's the threshold of a reckless yellow card," he said.
"This isn't fulfilling serious foul play, where there's got to be excessive force. Not only that, but there's got to be malice in the challenge.
"I don't think there was malice in the challenge, and therefore it's a yellow card offence. It is an offence that should have been sanctioned. The referee has missed this one, but this is where VAR is unable to come in.
"I think that what saves the guy, and this is the argument that the authorities put forward regularly, is that he's making a challenge for the ball and he's low down.
"He's not above the ankle. And I think that's what saves him. I think that's why the referee just thinks, well, that's a natural challenge. But not to even give a foul is slightly worrying."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic as confused as everyone else over Brazil-Morocco controversy
It is unlikely to be an incident that is just brushed under the carpet, given that Brazil were forced to settle for just a point in their World Cup opener.
Speaking at half-time about the decision not to award a card, Zlatan Ibrahimovic complained about inconsistent decisions in the modern game.
He said: "I’ve seen a lot in football, but that moment tonight is one of those incidents that will be debated for a long time. When I saw the challenge, my first reaction was simple.
"That is a moment where the referee has to be in control. It is not about reputation, it is not about timing in the match, it is about protection. The attacker is gone, the danger is clear, and the contact is late.
"Sometimes it is a yellow, sometimes a red, sometimes nothing. That confusion is what frustrates players and fans."
While the legendary figure does make a good point, much like the officials, it would seem, he is just as confused about whether a red card should have been shown or not.
What is certain is that a sending off would have likely ruined the game for the neutral football fans, but that will be of little importance to Brazil now.