Murat Yakin Labels Switzerland's Red Card Against Argentina a Scandal

Switzerland's national football team head coach, Murat Yakin, made some strong statements following their quarter-final match against Argentina. His team suffered a 1-3 extra-time defeat, leading to their elimination from the World Cup. The Swiss conceded an early goal but equalized midway through the second half. Minutes later, they were reduced to 10 men but only succumbed in extra time.

Reacting to Breel Embolo's red card in the 72nd minute after receiving a second yellow, Yakin stated: "I know FIFA will defend their referee, but this rule ruined our game today. It's incredibly painful to be eliminated this way. Unfortunately, we have to accept it."

The Swiss coach affirmed that his team did not give up the fight, despite being a man down, saying: "This team has great passion. Even though we were one man short, we gave everything on the field. I am extremely proud of all my players."

Many disagreed with the second yellow card shown, including Swiss TV commentator Sascha Rüfer, who was furious and called the referee's decision a "scandal." However, the rules were amended before the World Cup finals and in this case are clear: the video assistant referee (VAR) intervenes at this moment because Paredes was initially cautioned for dissent. VAR must intervene if the wrong player is carded for an action – as in this case, and thus the rule for clarifying mistaken identity is applied.

Yakin, however, continued to disagree: "There was no reason for this yellow card; it was an innocent, harmless situation. The referee's mistake punished us due to an unacceptable rule that eliminated us this way. I don't know how the referee and VAR officials reached this conclusion."

"This rule ruined the match. There was no reason for this yellow card, I repeat. In that situation, the game should have simply continued," he told the media at the press conference.

Switzerland managed to reach a World Cup quarter-final for the first time in 72 years – since their home World Cup in 1954 – but this offered no solace to their coach.

"The red card changed the game! We conceded an early goal, but then we controlled the events on the field. I don't understand how this can happen at a World Cup. I want to say again that my boys are true heroes."

Breel Embolo, who was sent off, broke down in tears after the red card and was comforted by his teammates before leaving the field. Yakin said the forward was devastated.

"He was fouled many times and had some very good moments in this match, but then he couldn't help the team anymore," Yakin said. "I don't blame him. It's obvious he's devastated because he couldn't help the team. It was a refereeing error."