Enzo Fernandez slammed over ‘stupid’ behaviour during World Cup final as Chelsea star sent off
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off against Spain in the World Cup final in a huge blow to Lionel Messi’s side at the MetLife Stadium
Enzo Fernandez was sent off(Image: JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images)
Enzo Fernandez was given his marching orders in the World Cup final to leave Argentina with 10 men against Spain. The Chelsea midfielder received a second yellow card for a foul on Pau Cubarsi.
The wantaway Blues star attempted to plead his innocence by wagging his finger after being shown a red card, but did not have a leg to stand on. Fernandez produced a rash challenge on the halfway line, having been cautioned earlier in the match.
Alan Shearer, on commentary for the BBC, said: “He might just have cost his team massively, because you know now that Argentina are going to try to take it to penalties. With him already being on a yellow card for something stupid – backchatting to the referee.
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“And when you’re on a yellow, you cannot, cannot make a challenge like that. That is stupid from him, it really is.”
Chris Sutton was also unconvinced by Fernandez’s protests: “Enzo Fernandez is disputing this. It seemed like a pretty wild challenge. He’s late and Cubarsi gets there first.”.
Former referee Darren Cann said: “There is no argument, it is a clear second yellow card and the red card is absolutely correct in my opinion. I do not expect the VAR to intervene.”
Wayne Rooney was also in disbelief at Fernandez’s challenge: “It’s a silly tackle,” he said.
“He is a little bit late to it. On a yellow card you can’t just dangle your leg out and give the opposition the opportunity to get you a red card. It makes it a very difficult game for Argentina to get through now, Spain were on top as it was but now it’s even more difficult.”
Fernandez left his teammates with plenty of hard work after being shown red in the 93rd minute. Argentina were required to play extra time down at a one-man disadvantage, having struggled to pose any threat over the course of 90 minutes.
It was of great contrast to Fernandez’s impact in the semi-final. The former Benfica ace scored against England to help his team come from behind to secure a place in the tournament’s final.
Former goalkeeper Paul Robinson described Argentina as in ‘survival mode’ During extra time, he said: “Argentina still haven’t even had a shot on goal, never mind a shot on target.
“Spain have been very dominant. They haven’t been overly creative with just one or two opportunities.
“Emi Martinez has made one or two saves that you expect him to make. Spain are by far and away the better team and Argentina are now in survival mode.”
