Birmingham Live
·Jul 2026
World Cup fans call for Lautaro Martinez ban before England play Argentina
Fans have demanded that FIFA suspend Lautaro Martinez for Argentina’s upcoming World Cup semi-final against England after he celebrated a goal by climbing into the crowd while already on a yellow card, an action that typically results in a second booking. Supporters highlighted the apparent violation on social media, questioning why neither the referee nor VAR intervened. The incident follows controversy over Switzerland’s Breel Embolo receiving a second yellow card after a VAR review reassigned another player’s caution to him, prompting Swiss coach Murat Yakin to condemn the rule. The match ended 3-1 after extra time, sending Argentina into the semi-finals, where they will face England.