During the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, a moment involving a collision between Ousmane Dembélé and Fabian Ruiz leads to confusion about how a key decision is changed. Initially, referee Ivan Barton awards France a free kick. Shortly afterwards, Barton reverses that decision before play restarts. While some viewers assume the ruling is overturned by VAR, one report states that VAR is not the deciding factor. Instead, the referee changes the call based on information from the assistant referee, who had a clearer view of the incident. The decision correction is described as rare, but fully consistent with the Laws of the Game and made while the match situation allows for officiating adjustments before play continues. After the reversal, Spain proceeds to win the match 2-0 and advance, while debate remains about whether technology or officials’ on-field sighting prompts the change.
Referee reverses France free-kick decision in World Cup semi-final vs Spain
During the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, a moment involving a collision between Ousmane Dembélé and Fabian Ruiz leads to confusion about how a key decision is changed. Initially, refe...
- In the France–Spain World Cup semi-final, referee Ivan Barton initially awards France a free kick after a collision between Ousmane Dembélé and Fabian Ruiz.
- Barton reverses the free-kick decision before play restarts.
- Some observers believe VAR overturned the decision, but at least one report says VAR is not responsible for the change.
- The reversal is attributed to advice from the assistant referee, who is described as having a clearer view of the incident.
- Spain wins the semi-final 2-0.
Spain's 2-0 World Cup semi-final win over France sparked confusion after referee Ivan Barton overturned a free-kick initially awarded to France. Many believed VAR had intervened, but the decision was actually changed following advice from the assistant referee, who had a clearer view of the incident. The rare correction, made before play restarted, complied fully with the Laws of the Game.
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