Former Premier League referee Graham Scott has stated that World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic made two mistakes during the clash between Spain and Argentina. Spain claimed a 1-0 victory over Argentina in New Jersey to secure their second-ever World Cup title.
Key Decisions Under Scrutiny
Vincic had a busy game, issuing a red card to Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez after two bookings in the closing minutes before extra time. Argentina's Leandro Paredes also received a red card after the final whistle following a heated exchange with Spain's Gavi and Eric Garcia. Additionally, Vincic cautioned Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Alexis Mac Allister.
According to Scott, Mac Allister should have been booked much earlier. The Liverpool midfielder did not receive a yellow card until deep into extra time, but Scott argues he deserved one in the first half.
Scott's Analysis of Missed Calls
“Referee Slavko Vincic adopted a low-key approach to the World Cup final in the first half, but a decision not to show a yellow card to Alexis Mac Allister could have come back to haunt him,” Scott told The Athletic. “The Liverpool midfielder’s tackle on the halfway line early in the first half was late, involved both feet and could only be described as reckless. The fourth official had the perfect view, and should have been able to describe what he saw in such terms that Vincic would have shown a card.”
Scott added that top referees always want their first yellow to be for an indisputable offence, which sometimes leads to borderline tackles being excused early. “But Mac Allister crossed the line in the 15th minute and should have been punished. Vincic might have regretted his leniency had Mac Allister later committed another yellow-card offence that had a major impact on the game, such as stopping a significant Spain attack.”
Tagliafico Also Escaped Caution
Scott also highlighted that Nicolas Tagliafico should have received a yellow card for a first-half foul. “Argentina’s Nicolas Tagliafico could easily have received a yellow card when he deliberately brought down Spain’s Lamine Yamal,” Scott said. “He was saved by the presence nearby of Lisandro Martinez, but the challenge was so unorthodox, clumsy and deliberate that many referees would have cautioned the defender.”
The match ended with Spain winning 1-0, with Ferran Torres scoring in extra time. FIFA has been made aware of the alleged errors, but no official action has been announced.
