Switzerland star Breel Embolo was reduced to tears after a new rule contributed to him being sent off against Argentina in their World Cup quarter-final clash.
Embolo, who had already been booked, went down after an apparent foul by Argentina’s Leandro Paredes in the 70th minute.
Paredes was initially shown a yellow card for his challenge by Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro.
Pinheiro, however, was then instructed to review the decision by VAR under a new ‘mistaken identity’ rule.
The rule allows for a decision to be changed in the event a player has been booked or sent off, but the infringement was actually committed by the opposition.
The review showed that Embolo had initiated the contact with Paredes, leaving his right leg trailing to make contact with the Argentine, before tumbling to his left.
Switzerland’s Breel Embolo went down after a challenge by Leandro Paredes, which initially led to a the Argentine being shown a yellow card
The decision was reversed after a VAR review for mistaken identity with Embolo adjudged to have dived, leading to him being sent off for a second bookable offence
Embolo was reduced to tears as Switzerland were reduced to 10-men with the game in the balance against the reigning world champions
Referee Pinheiro, after reviewing the incident, returned to the pitch and confirmed Paredes had not committed a foul but that it was a clear act of simulation by Embolo.
The official then cautioned Embolo for the offence, before brandishing a red card with the forward having already been booked in the first half.
Switzerland players surrounded the official to protest the decision, while a tearful Embolo was comforted by team-mates as he left the pitch.
His red card came just minutes after Switzerland had dragged themselves level in the quarter-final, with Dan Ndoye scoring a fine equaliser after exchanging passes with Ricardo Rodriguez.
Argentina had led through Alexis Mac Allister, with the midfielder rising highest to head in from a corner in the 10th minute.
Switzerland held on to force extra-time against the reigning world champions despite being reduced to 10-men.
Argentina were eventually able to make the breakthrough through Julian Alvarez in the second period of extra-time, with Lautaro Martinez adding another late on to secure a 3-1 victory and set up a semi-final with England.
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