How to Watch UK TV Channels Outside of the UK? I'll give you a simple trick that will explain how to watch UK TV channels live abroad. Now you can watch all of your favorite UK TV programmes while you are away from home without VPN with 1Fakt.com
Furious World Cup supporters have demanded FIFA suspend Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez from the semi-final encounter with England, after highlighting a violation of regulations. The forward netted the goal that confirmed the nation's triumph over Switzerland and secured their spot in the last four.
Argentina required extra time to see off 10-man Switzerland, with the scoreline deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes. Yet Julian Alvarez's 112th-minute effort gave his team the advantage, before Martinez wrapped up a 3-1 victory in stoppage time.
The decisive goal triggered jubilant celebrations, with Martinez vaulting the barrier to join supporters in the stands. The striker was already carrying a yellow card at that point, with fans on social media insisting he should have received a second, which would have ruled him out of the England fixture.
Writing on X, one supporter observed: "Lautaro Martinez was already on a yellow card when he scored the goal. Despite that he crossed the Barrier and went up to the stands to celebrate.
"This is a Yellow Card offence which would've ruled him out against England. So the Ref and VAR decided to forget about the Rule."
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Another supporter posted: "Interesting, @FIFAcom @FIFAWorldCup. Interesting..."
"Lautaro Martinez was already on a yellow, scored, then climbed onto the perimeter fencing to celebrate with the fans," a third said. "By the letter of the law, that's usually a cautionable offence.
"No second yellow, no semi-final suspension. People will ask questions."
Supporters on Reddit also voiced their opinions. "It's clear and simple. He just shouldn't be able to face England in the next game," one said.
"Didn't the referee see that? I really doubt so... Also, it was a moment that could result in player's red card (due to second yellow card), so, shouldn't the VAR intervene?"
A second added: "If [Breel] Embolo gets a second yellow for diving, then surely he gets a second yellow for going into the crowd which has always been the rules."
Within IFAB and FIFA's laws of the game, it is clearly stated that: "Players can celebrate when a goal is scored, but the celebration must not be excessive; choreographed celebrations are not encouraged and must not cause excessive time-wasting."
It is further noted that: "A player must be cautioned, even if the goal is disallowed for:
- Climbing onto a perimeter fence and/or approaching the spectators in a manner which causes safety and/or security issues.
- Acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way.
- Covering the head or face with a mask or other similar item.
- Removing the shirt or covering the head with the shirt."
It was not the only controversial flash point of the match, with Breel Embolo receiving a second yellow card for Switzerland in the second half against Argentina after VAR intervened. While VAR still lacks the authority to issue a second yellow card directly, officials utilised the 'mistaken identity' provision.
Argentina's Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow for a challenge on Embolo. However, replays revealed there had been no contact, with the review leading to the yellow card being transferred to Embolo, who was already on a caution.
The regulation has been labelled as 'unacceptable' by Switzerland boss Murat Yakin. "There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card," he said. "It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue.
"We were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don't understand it. The fact that they intervened unnecessarily is extremely hurtful.
"It's a rule that has nothing to do with football. It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it is painful to lose that way."
This is not the first occasion Argentina have found themselves at the heart of contentious decisions at the World Cup. Egypt were left seething after VAR disallowed Mostka Ziko's goal, prompting some supporters to claim the competition is 'rigged'.
England will now face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday evening (8pm). The Three Lions secured their place in the last four with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway.