Switzerland Coach Blasts Referee's Red Card Decision
Switzerland's World Cup campaign ended in a quarterfinal loss to Argentina after striker Breel Embolo was sent off for diving in the 72nd minute, a decision coach Murat Yakin called a clear referee error that destroyed his team's tactical a
Swiss head coach Murat Yakin has strongly objected to the red card given to striker Breel Embolo, who received a second yellow and was sent off in the 72nd minute on a diving charge during Switzerland's 1-3 extra-time defeat to defending champion Argentina on July 12. Switzerland's World Cup 2026 campaign ended in the quarterfinals following this loss.
The turning point came in the 72nd minute when Embolo was shown a second yellow card that became a red for alleged diving, even after a VAR review. Post-match, Yakin expressed his frustration: "We were punished for a mistake. There's no reason for a red card—I don't understand it at all. It was an innocent situation with no malicious intent. The referee's error cost us and completely destroyed our tactical approach."
"The decision is unbelievable," Yakin continued. "I completely disagree. There was clear contact, and I don't see how the referee and VAR reached that conclusion."
Yakin also defended his team's performance: "I won't say they had an unfair advantage. We played fairly and openly, with both sides playing football. Football wasn't the winner today—we were punished for an official's mistake, not our own fault."
Despite his frustration, Yakin concluded graciously: "This is a critical moment that decided the match. We could complain now, but I'd like to congratulate Argentina."
