New FIFA referee cam footage has revealed Jude Bellingham's dig at the official after England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. As Bellingham approached referee Ismail Elfath, the England midfielder held out his hand and said: 'Some shocking ones but all the best.'
Match details
England took the lead in the second half through Anthony Gordon, but a second-half collapse saw Enzo Fernandez equalise before Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal for Argentina in injury time. Moroccan-born American national Ismail Elfath officiated the ill-tempered game, which saw 19 fouls committed by half time, 12 from Argentina, although only Lisandro Martinez received a yellow card in the opening 45 minutes.
England's grievances
England were unhappy that Fernandez's collision with Elliot Anderson went unpunished in the first half after the Chelsea midfielder thrust his elbow into his opponent's neck. They also felt aggrieved as Lionel Messi appeared to foul Djed Spence just before his cross set up Martinez for Argentina's winner in injury time.
Elfath's history with Messi
Before the game, Elfath was described as Messi's 'good luck charm' as Argentina's captain had won all five matches where the US official was part of the officiating team. Elfath was the fourth official for the 2022 World Cup final, where Messi's Argentina beat France. After Messi joined Inter Miami, Elfath officiated the final of the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023, which Miami won, and has taken charge of three MLS wins for Messi.
Spain's coach criticises Argentina
Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente has hit out at Argentina's conduct after the full-time whistle in the World Cup final last Sunday. Spain's players were attacked by Argentina's players and coaches, who could face disciplinary action from FIFA. 'At the time I didn't realise what was happening because I was celebrating with other people, hugging teammates,' De la Fuente told RTVE. 'In any case, I find it intolerable and unacceptable from players of that calibre, whom I had been praising in the days leading up to the match and who have a fantastic coach.'
