Spanish Media Slams World Cup Referee for Controversial Calls in France-Morocco Match

Did Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos show leniency? The Spanish press accuses the Mexican referee of "approximate refereeing" of the semi-final match between the Atlas Lions and the Blues, which took place on Tuesday, December 14 at the Al Bayt stadium in the city of Al Khor. Morocco could have obtained two penalties, but Ramos did not consult the VAR to see the evidence. He would have positioned himself as the 12th player of the French team, notes the Spanish press.

According to the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo", the first error "was noted in the 26th minute when Théo Hernandez tried to clear a ball from his defensive area, clearly tackling Sofiane Boufal". The second error was recorded before the end of the first half. While France was leading (1-0), there was another controversial shot after the fall of two Moroccan players inside the French penalty area. But the referee lacked professionalism at this level by not making the appropriate decision.

Citing Spanish referee Borel Gieres, the Spanish newspaper "Marca" reports: "It is a confusing match, but I see a penalty by Theo Hernandez on the Moroccan player. He committed a foul against him in the penalty area." "AS" cries out at the refereeing scandal. He confirmed that "there is almost unanimity on what happened in the match between Morocco and France; it is a refereeing scandal".

Disappointed, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has appealed to FIFA to challenge the refereeing of the semi-final between France and Morocco. "The FRMF has sent a letter to the competent body in which it reviews the refereeing situations that deprived the Moroccan selection of two incontestable penalties in the opinion of several refereeing specialists," the Moroccan Federation said in a statement.