Gary Lineker described Enzo Fernandez's red card in the World Cup final as 'crazy', while Alan Shearer called the Argentina star 'stupid' after his dismissal cost his side the match. Fernandez was sent off just before extra time after receiving two yellow cards in the space of 10 minutes against Spain.
Fernandez's Dismissal
The Chelsea midfielder picked up his first yellow card for showing dissent towards referee Slavko Vincic. He received his marching orders after a poor challenge on Pau Cubarsi in the last minute of normal time. Fernandez raised his hands to the Argentinian supporters, asking for forgiveness as he made his way down the tunnel.
Chaotic Scenes After the Final Whistle
Following Argentina's 1-0 defeat, Fernandez witnessed his team-mate Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada clash with Spain's Gavi, which resulted in Paredes also receiving a red card. The chaotic scenes led to Lineker saying on the Rest is Football podcast: 'We saw a bit after the final whistle. Paredes let himself down.'
Micah Richards replied: 'That was embarrassing. Win or lose, you've got to shake hands' – before Lineker continued: 'Most of their players were magnanimous. Messi and others, they were fine. Paredes got given a red card after the game, which is just. Enzo Fernandez, that was crazy wasn't it? The first one was for whinging.'
Shearer's Verdict
Alan Shearer weighed in saying: 'Absolutely stupid. He got done for dissent which he should never have done. But then to do that… To go into that tackle when you're on a yellow, that's when you thought Spain are going to win this. He's cost his country massively. As much as he helped get them through to the final with that wonderful goal against England, he's cost them.'
Scaloni's Reaction
Reflecting on his side's defeat, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said: 'I feel sadness but knowing that we left everything out there. I have a lot of things to say about how we got here, but it's not worth it. I want to thank these guys eternally for giving us another World Cup final and for competing until the end. They were better, that's the truth. But I'll hold on to an enormous memory of what they have done, of what it's worth to get this far. We have to give it huge validity because it takes a lot to get here.'
