Ex-refs chief slams England vs Argentina referee after ‘reckless’ incident goes unpunished
Referee Ismail Elfath made an error by not showing Enzo Fernandez an early yellow card for his challenge on Elliot Anderson in England’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the official failed to stamp his authority on the game by letting the Chelsea man get away with the incident without a booking.
Two late goals from Argentina proved to be enough to knock England out in the semi-finals on Wednesday, with Fernandez netting the equaliser for the World Cup holders.
However, the midfielder could have been forced to play a different type of game after his elbow appeared to catch the back of Anderson’s head when going in for a challenge.
Yet, the referee chose not to book the Chelsea star for this early on, despite it being reckless.
Now, Hackett has claimed the decision, believing that the Elfath is far too reluctant to hand out bookings.
Enzo Fernandez should have received a yellow card in England vs Argentina
Upon reviewing the footage of the incident, the former referee exclusively told Football Insider: “The referee failed to stamp his authority on this game when he did not produce a yellow card to the Argentina player who committed a reckless challenge that should have seen the referee issue a yellow card.
“Referee, Ismail Elfath, in his previous appointments shown a reluctance to show yellow cards.
“In a fractious opening, he needs to stamp his authority on the game.”
Fernandez went on to score the goal that would change the game for Argentina, and will likely play a key role in the final.
When is the World Cup final?
Argentina are set to take on Spain on Sunday, with kick-off at 8pm UK time.
Spain are looking to secure their second World Cup title, whereas Argentina are hoping to pick up their fourth.
The two nations have not played each other since 2018, where the Iberian nation came away with a 6-1 victory in a friendly.
However, the two sides have only clashed in one competitive fixture in the past, with Argentina winning 2-1 in the 1966 World Cup.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen who will come out on top in the upcoming final.