World Cup followers order FIFA to ban Argentina star earlier than England conflict after breaking guidelines

Lautaro Martinez scored to seal Argentina’s 3-1 win over Switzerland and book a World Cup semi-final spot, but fans believe he should have been shown a second yellow card

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Furious World Cup supporters have demanded FIFA ban Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez from playing in the semi-final showdown against England.

The forward netted the goal that secured his nation’s triumph over Switzerland and earned a spot in the final four. Argentina required extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland, with the scoreline deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes. Nevertheless, Julian Alvarez’s 112th-minute effort put his team in front, with Martinez making it 3-1 during stoppage time.

The decisive goal triggered wild celebrations, with Martinez leaping over the barrier to rejoice with supporters. The striker was already carrying a yellow card at that moment, with fans on social media convinced he should have received a second booking, and consequently miss the England fixture, reports the Mirror.

Writing on X, one supporter highlighted: “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.”

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 pointed out. “By the letter of the law, that’s usually a cautionable offence. No second yellow, no semi-final suspension. People will ask questions.”

Reddit users also chimed in. “It’s clear and simple. He just shouldn’t be able to face England in the next game,” one stated.

“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?”.

Another 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,” one said.

According to IFAB and FIFA’s laws of the game, it is stipulated 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.”

The rules further state: “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. “. The ruling that resulted in Breel Embolo receiving a second yellow card for Switzerland in the second half sparked considerable controversy, with VAR playing a role in the verdict. While VAR remains unable to directly issue a second yellow card, officials utilised the ‘mistaken identity’ provision.. Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was initially cautioned for a challenge on Embolo. However, replays revealed there had been no contact, with the review resulting in the yellow card being transferred to Embolo, who was already carrying a booking.. 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 marks not the first occasion Argentina have found themselves embroiled in contentious decisions at the World Cup. Egypt were left incensed after VAR chalked off Mostka Ziko’s goal, prompting some supporters to claim the tournament is ‘rigged’.

England will now face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night (8pm). The Three Lions secured their spot in the last four with a 2-1 extra-time triumph over Norway.