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Argentina could be in a huge blow in their FIFA World cup Semi-final game against Croatia if Lionel Messi faces a ban to miss crucial semifinal match against Croatia.
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina skipper Lionel Messi for confronting match referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz during his side’s penalty shootout win over Netherlands. The disciplinary committee of FIFA is likely to release a statement on the issue later today.
During the thrilling Netherlands vs Argentina quarter-final game last week discipline was a major issue
as players and coaching staff from both sides were seen losing their composure. Players being closely monitored by FIFA who was involved in a spat with the referee regarding several decisions.
Messi was booked in the 10th minute of the second half extra time after Argentina conceded a late equalizer at 2-2, and ultimately saw the match go into extra time. As players from both sides often confronted each other as brawls broke out during and after the game.
As per FIFA World Cup rules, if Match referee mentions in his report about any incidents which he finds are breach to code of conduct then he can mention in his match report. After that FIFA will look into the matters and will decide whether to open disciplinary actions or not.
In the given case, Following the match, FIFA decided to open disciplinary actions “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association due to potential breaches of articles 12 (Misconduct of players and officials) and 16 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code during the Netherlands vs Argentina FIFA World Cup match,” read statement by FIFA.
If found guilty, Leo Messi can miss the semifinals match against Croatia.
Lionel Messi statement after the Netherlands match :
“I don’t want to talk about referees because then they will sanction you, but we were scared before the game because we knew what was coming [with Mateu Lahoz]. I can’t say what I think, but FIFA must look at this. [FIFA] cannot put a referee like that on this game when he is not up to the level,” said Messi.
Argentina’s coach supports his player :
Defending his players, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni insisted on Monday that “The game the other day was played in the right way by both teams. That is football,”