FIFA Sends Controversial Referee Mateu Lahoz Home After Messi’s Criticism

Following Lionel Messi’s comments, Spanish official Antonio Mateu Lahoz has been kick out of the FIFA World Cup.

The highly contentious quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands was overseen by the 45-year-old.

Lahoz, who administered 18 yellow cards and one red card throughout the game, displayed dubious officiating.

Furthermore, towards the conclusion of the second half, the Spanish referee added an additional 10 minutes of play time.

The Netherlands scored a dramatic 90+11th-minute equalizer as Lionel Messi and Argentina were perplexed by Lahoz’s choice.

Despite defeating Oranje 4-3 on penalties, La Albiceleste still won.

However, Lahoz’s performance was criticized, even by Lionel Messi, who said: “I don’t want to speak about referees because after they will sanction you. But people saw what happened. I think FIFA must take care of this. It cannot put a referee like that for a match of such magnitude, of such importance. The referee cannot fail to be up to the task.”

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It appears that FIFA took the Paris Saint-Germain attacker’s counsel to heart.

Lahoz, who officiated Argentina’s victory over the Netherlands in an unsatisfactory manner, is leaving, according to Carrusel Deportivo.

The 2021 Manchester City-Chelsea UEFA Champions League championship game was previously overseen by Lahoz.

He routinely officiates in La Liga, but his reputation has suffered.

Facundo Tello, an Argentine referee who presided over Morocco’s historic 1-0 triumph against Portugal in the quarterfinals, has also been kicked out of the World Cup.

Selection of the Quinas pair Tello was accused of bias towards Morocco by Pepe and Bruno Fernandes.