No Red for Olise? Referee Expert Assesses Scene
In the 14th minute, there was already the first moment of controversy in the World Cup semi-final. Expert Patrick Ittrich analyzes the scene. And Mats Hummels also weighs in.
As early as the 14th minute, Michael Olise could have been sent off in the World Cup semi-final against Spain (to the match report >>>).
After a hard tackle on Rodri, the Bayern player was at the center of a controversial incident early on. The French attacking player hit his opponent with an open sole, but remained on the pitch.
"MagentaTV" asked former Bundesliga referee Patrick Ittrich. He says that the incident "has the makings of a red card."
Mats Hummels: "It's a World Cup Semi-final"
Mats Hummels, also working for MagentaTV at the World Cup, analyzes: "In the still image, it certainly looks very nasty. For me, due to the lack of intensity, it's only a yellow, because he doesn't follow through."
But: "It wasn't far from a red card, that has to be clearly stated."
Hummels also points to the significance of the match: "According to the referee's rulebook, yes, according to how I see football, no. You have to consider, even if it's silly, it's a World Cup semi-final, 14th minute. On the 3rd matchday of the Bundesliga, you'd give a red for that; in a Champions League semi-final or World Cup semi-final, no longer."
Ultimately, however, the decision had little influence on the outcome of the match. Spain secured a dominant 2-0 victory.
