Didier Deschamps has questioned FIFA's decision to appoint Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton for France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. France crashed out of the World Cup on Tuesday night as a penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second-half strike from Pedro Porro sealed a deserved 2-0 win for Spain, who will play either England or Argentina in Sunday's final.
Penalty decision sparks controversy
France were unhappy with Barton's decision to award a penalty to Spain after Lucas Digne kicked Lamine Yamal when he attempted to clear the ball. After his side's defeat, Deschamps conceded his team 'were a step below technically' against Spain but suggested that Barton should not have been tasked with officiating a World Cup semi-final.
'There is obviously a lot of disappointment. The players are devastated because we had high ambitions,' Deschamps said. '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.'
Deschamps questions referee's standard
Deschamps added: '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 separate interview, Deschamps said: '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.'
France's technical shortcomings
Deschamps acknowledged his side's own failings: '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.'
Spain captain also criticises referee
Spain captain Rodri was also unhappy with Barton's performance as he believes Lamine Yamal should have been given greater protection. 'We've been dealing with this type of situation for three games now,' Rodri said. '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.'
