Was the referee up to scratch? FIFA refereeing chief responds to Didier Deschamps’ comments after France’s semi-final loss

Deschamps’ questioning of the referee’s quality stems from the highly controversial refereeing decisions that marred the first half, starting in the 22nd minute when Barton awarded Spain a penalty after Digne caught Yamal in the box. Deschamps was visibly incensed, arguing that Yamal had handled the ball just moments prior, but the decision stood after a VAR review.

Deschamps’ frustration compounded in the 43rd minute when Barton completely overturned a promising free-kick awarded to France right outside the penalty area following Fabián Ruiz’s challenge on Ousmane Dembele; the referee reversed his own call after consulting his assistant, a move Deschamps described as highly unusual given that both the fourth and fifth officials had initially supported France’s claim. Beyond these key incidents, the French boss lamented an “accumulation” of unfavourable decisions, slamming the referee’s leniency as Spain escaped yellow cards for several heavy fouls, including a dangerous tackle by Yamal.