Ex-FIFA ref re-analyses Uruguay-Spain 'red card' controversy as Nico Williams out of World Cup

Uruguay's Nicolas de la Cruz may have been fortunate to stay on the pitch during the 1-0 defeat to Spain at the Guadalajara Stadium.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that another referee might have seen his challenge as red-card worthy.

After coming on as a half-time substitute, the Flamengo midfielder picked up a booking in added time, catching Nico Williams very high on the leg.

Following the game on Saturday, 27 June, Williams revealed his disappointment in his opposition's actions, with the winger now possibly sidelined for the rest of the 2026 World Cup.

The 23-year-old has seriously struggled with injuries, so this has come as a huge blow for the Athetlic Club star, and the rest of the Spain national team.

Marcelo Bielsa's side would eventually go down to 10 men, thanks to Agustin Canobbio, and debate remains around whether another should have been sent off.

Nicolas de la Cruz gets away with one on Nico Williams

Hackett watched the footage several times, and while he admitted that a red card was a possible outcome, he was happy to see only a caution.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett said: "This is a subjective one and if you look, I think the referee is ahead of the incident.

"This actually highlights how the referee's action might have been different had he had a second look. The one thing, my level is, if it hits me on the nose, I'm giving a red.

"And that one is close, but not close enough. So, I think it's reckless. I don't think it breaks that barrier for a red card.

"This is why probably VAR's not coming either, because they said subjective. So, for me, I think a yellow card is the right call."

Marcelo Bielsa explodes after Uruguay disappointment

It has been an extremely disappointing campaign for Bielsa, formerly of Leeds United, and his team, who failed to make it out of the group stages.

When their fate was sealed against Spain, the head coach screamed at journalists attempting to interview him, seeing him heavily criticsed by supporters.

Understandably, he was very frustrated, but this could now be his final act as Uruguay head coach, as the national team crashed out of the World Cup in dramatic style.

Another red card would have summarised their campaign perfectly, but De la Cruz managed to just about stay on the pitch despite Williams' injury.