Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off during the World Cup final after receiving two yellow cards in Argentina’s meeting with Spain.
Fernández was dismissed during second-half stoppage time at the MetLife Stadium after catching Pau Cubarsí with a late challenge near the halfway line.
The 25-year-old had already been booked for dissent before making the tackle. Referee Slavko Vinčić immediately produced a second yellow card, leaving Argentina with 10 players as the goalless final moved into extra time.
Fernández protested the decision, but former referee Darren Cann said there was “no argument” over the dismissal and did not expect VAR to intervene.
Shearer criticises Fernández decision
Alan Shearer was particularly critical of Fernández while covering the final.
The former England striker described the midfielder’s first booking for speaking back to the referee as unnecessary. He then questioned why Fernández attempted such a forceful challenge while already on a yellow card.
“When you’re on a yellow, you cannot make a challenge like that,” Shearer said. “That is stupid from him.”
Chris Sutton also dismissed Fernández’s protests, describing the challenge as late and wild after Cubarsí reached the ball first.
The red card brought a disappointing end to an otherwise influential tournament. Fernández scored Argentina’s late equaliser against England in the semi-final and also struck a stoppage-time winner against Egypt.
ReadChelsea had highlighted Fernández’s importance to Xabi Alonso before the final, with the Blues planning to welcome him back after his mandatory post-tournament break.
His dismissal will not affect Chelsea’s domestic campaign, but it denied Fernández the chance to influence the closing stages of football’s biggest match.
After producing several decisive World Cup moments, one reckless challenge left Argentina fighting for the trophy without their leading midfielder.
