Mateu Lahoz’s performance in the Qatar World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands was criticised by players from both teams after the dramatic encounter on Friday.
Players accused the Spanish referee of wanting to be in the limelight and of making wrong decisions during the match.
Frenkie de Jong did not hesitate to point out that he lost control of the match in extra time and favoured the Argentinians.
“As soon as normal time was over they went for him. From then on he only whistled for Argentina. It was really scandalous,” De Jong said in words transcribed by Mundo Deportivo, before adding that “I think he lost his way in extra time” and that “Lionel Messi’s greatness may well have played a part in that”.
De Jong also pointed out that Lahoz “is a good guy, a good referee” but the Barcelona midfielder was furious by the standard set by the Valencian in the final stretch of the game against Argentina.
Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez and Louis van Gaal also criticised Lahoz’s refereeing at the end of the match.
GSFN | Kieran Quaile
