Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been branded 'pathetic' for an attempt to get England captain Harry Kane sent off during a contentious World Cup semi-final match. The incident occurred in a fiercely contested first half that saw numerous fouls and limited scoring opportunities.
Paredes' alleged attempt to influence the referee involved signaling that Kane had violated a new FIFA rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths while speaking to officials or opponents. However, the rule specifically applies to interactions between players, not conversations with referees.
Kane had approached the referee, Ismael Elfath, to discuss a yellow card issued to England midfielder Elliot Anderson, who had been repeatedly fouled. While speaking with the official, Kane briefly covered his mouth. Paredes immediately protested to the referee, suggesting a rule infraction.
This particular offense has led to two red cards in the current World Cup for other players. However, analysts noted that Kane was speaking to the referee, not another player, making the attempt to draw a card invalid under the rule's scope.
"Pathetic," commented former England goalkeeper Joe Hart on BBC Sport during halftime. "He was talking to the referee. He was trying to be clear - it's so difficult to communicate out there. Harry Kane was just trying to have a personal conversation with the referee. I get it, of course they're going to do anything they can to win this game."
Former England captain Wayne Rooney added, "I think it's ridiculous."
The first half was characterized by a physical and attritional style of play, with Argentina committing 12 of the 19 fouls recorded. Both teams engaged in robust challenges, with England's Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson facing repeated fouls from Argentina's midfield, including from Paredes.
There were instances of aggressive play from both sides. At one point, what appeared to be a tackle with the head was made on England's Marc Guehi. England players also made strong challenges, including one by Bellingham on Alexis Mac Allister. Lionel Messi also drew fouls throughout the half.
The first shot of the game did not occur until the 33rd minute, a header from England's John Stones. Elliot Anderson received the game's first yellow card for a foul on Messi, despite having been fouled multiple times himself.