Switzerland’s Breel Embolo became the first player to be sent off as a result of a new law for mistaken identity at this summer’s World Cup.
Embolo, booked in the first half, was sent off after 72 minutes of his country’s quarter-final defeat by Argentina following a second yellow card for simulation.
The caution was initially handed to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes for what at first appeared a clumsy challenge, until the video assistant referee (VAR) intervened to send referee Joao Pinheiro to the monitor.
On review, the official deemed Embolo to have dived.
The Switzerland forward was distraught to be shown a red card with his side having levelled against the defending world champions just five minutes earlier.
Embolo, 29, left the pitch in Kansas City in tears, consoled by his team-mates, but there was limited sympathy from pundits watching.
“I feel for Embolo’s team-mates, I don’t feel for him. He has cost his team maybe getting through to the semi-finals,” said former Major League Soccer striker Bradley Wright-Phillips on ITV.
Jobi McAnuff, a former Jamaica international, added: “Breel Embolo let himself down, he let his team-mates down.
“Everything looks worse in slow motion and he ends up getting the yellow card for simulation. Maybe he felt the contact was going to come sooner and it didn’t.
“It was simulation but you can’t help but feel sorry for him.”
Argentina eventually ran out 3-1 winners against the 10 men in extra time and will face England in the semi-finals in a match that will be shown live on the BBC.
“This team has so much passion. Despite the fact we were one man down, we gave it all. I’m extremely proud of everyone,” said Swiss coach Murat Yakin.
