Deschamps questions referee's suitability for World Cup semi-final

Didier Deschamps has expressed concerns over FIFA’s choice to appoint Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton for France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain.

France exited the tournament on Tuesday night following a penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second-half goal from Pedro Porro, resulting in a 2-0 victory for Spain, who will face either England or Argentina in the final on Sunday.

The French team was dissatisfied with Barton’s decision to award a penalty to Spain after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal while attempting to clear the ball.

In the aftermath of the defeat, Deschamps acknowledged that France was “a step below technically” against Spain but questioned whether Barton was fit to officiate at such a high level. “There is obviously a lot of disappointment. The players are devastated because we had high ambitions,” Deschamps stated. “Although we have to be realistic and acknowledge that today we were a step below technically against a team that knew what they were doing. It’s primarily our fault. Then I ask a question, and I’m not going to answer it: ‘Is the referee good enough to officiate a World Cup semi-final?’ We’ve had a few of those situations, and I’m not going to answer them. And I’m not saying this because we lost today, but there have been certain situations… often unfavourable to us, too.”

In a different interview, Deschamps remarked, “I’m not going to dwell on it because otherwise I’ll sound like a cry-baby. Is the referee up to the standard of officiating a World Cup semi-final? That’s for you to decide. I had fourth and fifth place referees next to me who were just as good. It’s not just the penalty, it’s a combination of factors. We’ve had more or less complicated situations in other matches. I have nothing against tonight’s referee, but ask yourselves the question. But the main reason is that we were a bit below par and less dangerous offensively than we could have been. We made a few technical errors and missed passes that could have led to situations and chances. We have to accept it, this is the highest level, even if it hurts. It was the last step before this potential final… so we’ll play the third-place match. We’ll play it, it doesn’t take anything away from what we’ve achieved. But in this match, Spain showed something extra.”

Meanwhile, Spain captain Rodri also expressed dissatisfaction with Barton’s officiating, arguing that Lamine Yamal should have received more protection. “We’ve been dealing with this type of situation for three games now,” Rodri commented. “We’re talking about 10 or 15 uncalled fouls. And if we don’t call them, the defences keep doing the same thing. The permissiveness is obvious, especially today, but he had a great game.”

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, however, believes his team has also been affected by “lenient” referees throughout the tournament. Responding to Deschamps’ remarks, De la Fuente said, “Well, when things don’t go our way, we can always find some excuse. I have certainly had some difficult times with the refereeing, too. At times, it has reminded us of the match against Uruguay and I think that the referee’s leniency has something to do with it. I believe that you have to keep an eye on games and not let them get out of hand. But if that’s how it is, then we’ve both suffered. I don’t think at all that it was the complete opposite. In fact, they ruled out a goal and some very close situations, especially in some offside actions. But anyway, I’m not in a position to think about the referee right now. What I would like is for everyone to obviously improve, from referees, to VAR, to us, everyone who makes football, that we all become a little better every day.”

Source: Metro