Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has criticised the refereeing in his side’s defeat to Argentina, describing a key decision that influenced the outcome of the match as a costly mistake that denied his team a fair chance of progressing.
Speaking after the game, Yakin questioned the booking issued to one of his players, insisting there was no justification for the decision and that it ultimately proved decisive.
“We were punished because of a mistake. There was no reason for that booking. I don’t understand it. It was an innocent situation; there was nothing malicious about it,” Yakin said.
The Swiss manager also expressed frustration with the role of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), arguing that the officials failed to interpret the incident correctly despite reviewing it.
“That decision was simply unbelievable. I completely disagree with it. There was clear contact, and I don’t understand how the referee and the VAR came to that conclusion,” he added.
Despite his criticism of the officiating, Yakin stopped short of suggesting Argentina received preferential treatment, acknowledging that both teams competed fairly throughout the contest.
“I wouldn’t say they were being favored. We had a fair and open match. Both teams played football. Football wasn’t the winner today. We were punished by a mistake. It was a decisive moment that determined the outcome of the match. We can complain now, but I have to congratulate Argentina.”
The Switzerland coach maintained that the encounter had been evenly balanced until the controversial decision shifted the momentum in Argentina’s favour, ultimately determining the result.
