82,000 Argentina fans sign petition calling for World Cup Final replay over referee controversy
Thousands of furious Argentina supporters are calling for the FIFA World Cup Final to be replayed following what they describe as a “corrupt” officiating display.
Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain in extra time of the tournament showpiece in New Jersey on Sunday. Ferran Torres’ strike proved decisive for the commanding Spanish side, who relentlessly pressured the Argentina goal throughout the game.
Defending champions Argentina failed to register a single shot on target in regulation and were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a red card in the 93rd minute. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was kept constantly busy before finally being beaten by Torres’ effort in the 106th minute.
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Argentina took the defeat badly, with unsavory scenes erupting at the final whistle. Leandro Paredes was seen kicking and punching as he pushed Eric Garcia to the ground and clashed with Gavi, while Nahuel Molina appeared to have sparked the confrontation by throwing a punch at Rodri, as per The Mirror.
Some supporters of the side are equally bitter, as evidenced by the more than 82,000 signatures on a petition demanding the final be replayed. Change.org petition author Gisela Sanchez contends that FIFA should overturn the result based on the performance of Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic.
“The recent final between Argentina and Spain was tarnished by the controversial and corrupt performance of the referee who, according to video evidence, was bought to influence the match’s outcome,” Sanchez writes. “It is a monumental disappointment for the players, coaches, and, above all, for the fans who crave to see a game decided by talent and dedication on the pitch, and not by rigged refereeing decisions.
“If we allow corruption to go unnoticed on this global stage, we are setting a bad example for future generations of athletes and fans.
“Therefore, we ask Fifa to review these incidents with seriousness and transparency, and to consider replaying the final – this time without the influence of a corrupt referee.”
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Change.org is awash with petitions of a strikingly different character – ones demanding FIFA prohibit Argentina from future competitions. One appeal seeking the team’s exclusion from ALL upcoming World Cups accumulated over 29 million signatures before being closed.
Vincic sounded his whistle on 46 occasions for infractions, 25 of which were committed by Argentina players. Fernández received his marching orders after collecting two yellow cards in the second half – one for dissent following a denied free-kick and another for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
The game unfolded in a disjointed fashion due to Argentina’s disruptive approach, but Spain ultimately broke through during extra time. FIFA are examining the conduct of Argentina’s players following the match, which drew widespread condemnation.
“It’s a disgrace,” Gary Neville said on ITV. “I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives, Messi has propped them up, but it’s been a disgrace the last few games.”
