Pundit can’t believe new FIFA controversy as Man United star Harry Maguire hits out
Noel Whelan has urged FIFA to send referee Wilson Sampaio home from the World Cup after Man United star Harry Maguire hit out at his “poor” performance in England’s quarter-final loss.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the tournament’s final on Sunday (18 December) shouldn’t be “all about the referee”.
England were defeated 2-1 by France in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday (10 December) with the performance of Brazillian referee Sampaio called into question after a number of dubious decisions.
Speaking to the BBC post-match, Maguire ripped into the “very poor” referee – insisting he “never gave us anything” during the game.
Despite the performance, Sampiao remains at the tournament as it heads towards Sunday’s final (18 December) after surviving FIFA’s latest round of cuts.
12 officials remain in Qatar and are in contention to officiate in the showpiece occasion.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think the controversy doesn’t warrant him taking on the biggest game in world football.
“His performance alone is evidence that he doesn’t deserve to take that game.
“I thought he was beyond poor.
“I’m not saying that as an excuse for the result, because we had an opportunity to equalise.
“But his decision-making left a lot to be desired. He shouldn’t take charge of another game in this World Cup, and FIFA shouldn’t reward him with that spotlight.
“There are plenty of other referees who have shown their worth in this tournament. The final shouldn’t be all about the referee.”
In other news, ex-Fifa official hits back at Man United star Bruno Fernandes after controversial new twist.