Referee shows three red cards in Mexico’s World Cup win over South Africa
Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio has shown three red cards during a controversial World Cup clash between Mexico and South Africa following multiple VAR interventions.
The expanded 2026 tournament witnessed its first dismissals as officiating took centre stage during a fiery encounter.
Former Premier League referee Andy Davies has analysed the major flashpoints from the match to evaluate the use of video technology.
Sithole makes unwanted World Cup history
South Africa were trailing 1-0 early in the second half when Sphephelo Sithole was dismissed for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
The midfielder brought down Brian Gutiérrez as the Mexican broke through on goal in the 49th minute.
Video assistant referee Nicolás Gallo Barragán reviewed the incident and endorsed the on-field decision.
Davies believes this was a straightforward call for the match officials.
“Gutiérrez had a clear opportunity to score with his next action, so the resulting red card was the correct decision,” Davies explained.
Harsh VAR intervention reduces South Africa to nine
The most contentious moment arrived in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane received his marching orders following a pitchside monitor review.
The veteran playmaker caught Roberto Alvarado in the face with his hand while attempting to bypass the North American defender.
Sampaio initially waved play on before being advised to halt proceedings by the VAR booth.
Davies insists the upgrade to a dismissal for violent conduct was excessively punitive.
“When you strike an opponent and there is contact to the face, there is a danger that it could be judged as violent conduct, but I do not believe this was an act of brutality,” Davies argued.
Montes dismissed in chaotic finale
The officiating expert suggested the Brazilian referee likely felt compelled to issue a red card after being summoned to the screen.
Despite enjoying a two-man advantage, El Tri also finished the match with ten players following a frantic stoppage-time sequence.
César Montes was penalised for denying a goal-scoring opportunity as the African side launched a desperate late counter-attack.
The flurry of disciplinary action highlights the intense scrutiny referees will face throughout this unprecedented 104-game tournament.
