VAR ruling triggers chaos as Embolo sees red for simulation in Argentina showdown

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was sent off in the second half of a World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina on Saturday night after a video review determined he had simulated a tackle, according to Medicine Hat News. The decision left the striker in tears and his team a man down against the defending champions.

Medicine Hat NewsSwitzerland’s Breel Embolo given red card for simulation after video review at World Cup

Initially, Argentina's Leandro Paredes was shown a yellow card for the incident, but VAR corrected the call, leading to what football360.com.au described as "remarkable" scenes. "Switzerland star Breel Embolo was distraught as he left the field in tears after being sent off for simulation following VAR's use of 'mistaken identity'," the outlet reported.

football360.com.au‘Remarkable’ scenes as distressed World Cup star is sent off after VAR’s use of ‘mistaken identity’: ‘There’s going to be a lot of people upset’

"The VAR showed that the initial yellow card was given to the wrong player, and the red card was shown to Embolo instead."

The Swiss camp erupted in frustration. ESPN reported that the team "fumed" over the call, which came with the score tied 1-1 after Alexis Mac Allister's early goal for Argentina had been equalized.

ESPNSwiss fume as VAR gets Embolo red card for diving

With Embolo off, Argentina held on to win, securing their place in the semifinals, as sbs.com.au confirmed. Meanwhile, HITC noted that World Cup fans "show no love" for Embolo after the dive, with many criticizing his simulation. The referee, identified by Athlon Sports as Joao Pinheiro, faced scrutiny but the decision stood.

3 sources

sbs.com.auSemi-final set as England best Norway and Argentina down Switzerland — as it happenedAthlon SportsWhy Did Referee Joao Pinheiro Give Breel Embolo a Red Card in Argentina vs. Switzerland?HITCWorld Cup fans show no love for Breel Embolo after red card for diving against Argentina

The incident underscores the ongoing debate over VAR's role in football, as a single review changed the course of a high-stakes knockout match and ended Switzerland's World Cup run in heartbreak.