Furious World Cup fans have called on FIFA to suspend Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez from the semi-final clash against England, accusing him of breaching rules by climbing a perimeter fence to celebrate his goal while already on a yellow card. Martinez scored Argentina's third goal in a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland on July 12, 2026, sealing a place in the final four against England.
Martinez's celebration sparks controversy
Argentina needed extra time to overcome 10-man Switzerland after a 1-1 draw in regulation. Julian Alvarez put Argentina ahead in the 112th minute, and Martinez made it 3-1 in added time. The forward then jumped over the barrier to celebrate with fans, an action that fans argue should have earned him a second yellow card and a suspension for the semi-final.
One fan posted on X: "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 added: "Interesting, @FIFAcom @FIFAWorldCup. Interesting…"
IFAB rules on goal celebrations
According to IFAB and FIFA's Laws of the Game, a player must be cautioned for climbing onto a perimeter fence and/or approaching spectators in a manner that causes safety or security issues, even if the goal is disallowed. The rules 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."
Fans on Reddit also voiced their anger. One wrote: "It's clear and simple. He just shouldn't be able to face England in the next game. 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 said: "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."
VAR controversy in Switzerland match
The match also saw VAR controversy when Switzerland's Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for diving after a review. Argentina's Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow for a challenge on Embolo, but replays showed no contact, leading to the yellow card being transferred to Embolo, who was already on a booking. Switzerland manager Murat Yakin called the rule "unacceptable."
"There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card. 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," Yakin said.
England-Argentina semi-final set
England will face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night at 8pm. The Three Lions secured their place with a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway. Argentina have been at the centre of controversial decisions before, with Egypt furious after VAR ruled out Mostka Ziko's goal, leading some fans to claim the tournament is 'rigged'.
