Paris 2024: 'He's really struggling' - Drama as referee sent flying and forced off injured
Updated 05/08/2024 at 22:20 GMT+1
The referee of Spain's semi-final victory over Morocco was forced off early into the match due to injury, after Spanish defender Marc Pubill collided with the official. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev was caught unawares by Pubill, who bumped into a Moroccan player and crashed into Tantashev's right leg. The referee was replaced by the fourth official. Spain scored late on to reach the final.
Ouch! Referee gets taken out by Spain player and floored, has to substitute himself
Video credit: TNT Sports
The referee of the Paris 2024 men's football semi-final match between Morocco and Spain had to be replaced early on following a hefty clash with Spain defender Marc Pubill.
Referee Ilgiz Tantashev was crashed into by Pubill, after the Spain defender had collided with a Moroccan player.
Although Tantashev was the first up after the collision, he had to receive treatment from physios as play was temporarily halted.
Concern grew quickly for the Uzbekistan official.
“I just wonder how the official is, because he has limped away from that challenge," said Clive Allen on Eurosport commentary.
“It’s not often you say is the official going to be OK or is he going to have to limp this one off?” said fellow commentator Oliver Wilson.
Despite trying to shake off the blow, the referee had to depart the pitch due to injury, with the Swedish fourth official Glenn Nyberg replacing Tantashev to take charge of the match.
The incident occurred with only 11 minutes on the clock, with the referee completely blindsided by Pubill crashing into him.
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“He's really struggling," Wilson said. "If there's any doubt you have to make the change, the on-field official needs to keep up with the pace of play."
Allen said: "It was a complete accident, but Pubill came from the side and the referee was completely unaware. It looks like he rolled that right ankle."
The replacement referee was involved in the action fairly quickly, awarding Morocco a penalty after 33 minutes and following a VAR check, Soufiane Rahimi scored from the spot to put the African side ahead.
Fermin Lopez equalised for Spain in the second half with an excellent finish, but was then awarded a yellow card for kicking the corner flag during the goal celebrations.
Juanlu Sanchez scored the winner for Spain, firing into the bottom corner, as they progressed to the final of the men's football.. Spain are now guaranteed a medal, with the final taking place on Friday.
Tantashev was probably hoping for an easier match than his last, in which he oversaw the incident-filled contest between France and Argentina.
A mass brawl broke out between the two sides after the final whistle, with officials trying their best to break up both sets of players and staff. Nine cards were awarded throughout the game, with Enzo Millot sent off after the match.
Tantashev also took charge of France's match against Guinea and Paraguay's clash with Mali earlier in the tournament.
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