The red card shown to Breel Embolo during the knockout match between Argentina and Switzerland is still sparking debates. The Swiss forward received a second yellow card for simulation after what was deemed a clean tackle by Leandro Paredes. While some observers feel the decision was harsh given the significance of the match, former Italian referee Pierluigi Collina, a respected figure in the refereeing world, has clearly backed the officiating team. He believes the Laws of the Game must be applied consistently, regardless of the context or stakes of the competition.
For Pierluigi Collina, the available footage leaves no room for doubt. After analyzing the incident, he believes the referee interpreted the situation perfectly and made the right call. The former FIFA refereeing director reminds us that an official must rely solely on observed facts and existing laws, without being swayed by the players’ prestige or the importance of the occasion.
“From a refereeing perspective, this was the correct decision. The replay clearly shows there was no contact from Leandro Paredes, and the referee rightly identified an attempt to deceive.”
Collina also emphasizes that simulation remains one of the most damaging behaviors in football. According to him, this type of action undermines fair play, complicates the referees’ jobs, and can unfairly influence the course of a match. That’s exactly why the Laws of the Game impose sanctions on players who deliberately seek to gain an advantage by deceiving the referee.
“Simulation is one of the actions the Laws of the Game are designed to discourage, as it undermines fairness and puts unnecessary pressure on match officials. Referees are expected to recognize these situations and act accordingly.”
The former Italian referee also believes that the importance of a match should never lead to a different application of the rules. For him, the credibility of refereeing relies on its ability to remain consistent across all competitions and circumstances. A knockout match in the World Cup does not justify any special treatment, even when a decision could have major consequences on the outcome.
“The fact that this happened in a World Cup knockout match should not change how the laws are applied. Referees must have the confidence to make the right decision, regardless of the occasion or the players involved.”
🚨 Pierluigi Collina on the referee sending off Breel Embolo for simulation after determining there was no contact from Leandro Paredes:
🗣️ “From a refereeing perspective, this was the correct decision. The replay clearly shows there was no contact from Leandro Paredes, and the… pic.twitter.com/tMchz11lNr
— Sage (@Sage_FCB) July 12, 2026
Finally, Pierluigi Collina reminds us that Breel Embolo was already under the threat of a first warning. Therefore, the sanction was a direct consequence of the Laws of the Game. For him, the expulsion is primarily the result of the choice made by the Swiss forward in that moment. He concludes by highlighting that consistency and integrity are the two essential pillars of high-level officiating.
“Since Embolo had already been cautioned, the second yellow card was the inevitable consequence of his actions. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the player. Consistency and integrity are fundamental in refereeing, and I believe the officiating team demonstrated both in this incident.”
