Many viewers tuning into the World Cup semi-final between Spain and France on Tuesday night were left baffled by a decision made by the referee, with some accusing him of ‘corruption’ after he appeared to ‘make up a new rule’.

There can be no complaints about the decision to award Spain a penalty for Lucas Digne’s tackle on Lamine Yamal, with a rules expert having already explained why Mikel Oyarzabal was allowed to score from the spot despite his teenage compatriot appearing to handle the ball in the build-up.

However, as tensions rose throughout the first half, another bizarre decision got viewers talking about corruption, with many unable to understand one of Ivan Barton’s calls.

Referee Accused of ‘Making Up New Rule’ in France vs Spain

Maria Lysaker / IMAGN Images via Reuters

France were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Spain penalty area in Dallas. It came after an apparent foul from Fabian Ruiz on Ousmane Dembele. Paris Saint-Germain star Ruiz protested his innocence to the referee, saying there was no contact on the French winger and, moments later, the decision was overturned by referee Ivan Barton.

Spain were given the free-kick and a chance to clear their lines, while fans were left confused. One X user wrote: “Making the rules up as we go along here. Free kick overturned,” while a second remarked:

Another added: “Just making the rules up as we go now… Corrupt f*****g tournament,” as a fourth concluded: “I have absolutely no clue what’s going on with these referees anymore, overturning free kicks now? But only some? Tournament has become farcical.”

Explanation Emerges On Real Reason Free-Kick Was Overturned

Rules expert Dale Johnson, who reviews incidents for the BBC, has offered clarity to the situation. While it appeared that VAR had intervened to the naked eye, it was actually Barton’s assistant that overturned the decision. He explained (see his post below):

More to follow…

Arsenal defender William Saliba was forced off during France’s World Cup semi-final meeting with Spain on Tuesday night.

Luis de la Fuente’s men were awarded a penalty when Lamine Yamal went down after Luis Digne unintentionally kicked him. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and fired past Mike Maignan to put the Spaniards in front in the 22nd minute.

Didier Deschamps was handed another setback in the 30th minute after Saliba went down injured. The Gunners centre-back couldn’t continue, limping off and being replaced by Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix.

Saliba’s fitness had been a concern heading into tonight’s game, and he missed training sessions as fears grew over his availability. He made the starting lineup but grimaced with pain just half an hour into the semi-final at Dallas Stadium.

What Injured Saliba Said During France vs Spain

REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Not only were France thrown a massive headache when Saliba came off, but Arsenal will be praying it’s nothing serious. He’s a key man in Mikel Arteta’s defence, and his club manager won’t want any of his players returning from the World Cup injured.

From the sounds of it, the 25-year-old might face a spell on the sidelines. French reporter Julian Laurens claimed that the Gunners man could be seen saying, “My back is gone, my back is gone.”

Saliba has been put on a modified training programme during the tournament to manage his back pain. He has seemingly played through the pain barrier, playing every minute of his country’s campaign until tonight.

Trusted Arsenal insider HandofArsenal on X reports that Arsenal have been “worried” about Saliba’s back issues. He might require a procedure to “fully heal.”

Saliba Gets Rest Amid Arsenal Pre-Season

Saliba will get some well-earned rest once the World Cup concludes, as Arsenal players who have reached the latter stages aren’t expected back for pre-season until August. Those who reach the final are set to return to the club on August 10th, giving them plenty of time to recharge their batteries.

Arteta will have been pleased to see Gabriel Magalhaes come through Brazil’s campaign unscathed, although his nation’s early exit might mean his mood is low. He and Saliba were instrumental in the North Londoners’ Premier League title win and their coach will be eager to have them fit in preparation for next season.

The Gunners’ first game of the 2026-27 campaign takes place on August 21st, when they host newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates. Before that, they are involved in friendly action against Borussia Dortmund and have a Community Shield clash with Manchester City on August 16th.

Manchester United remain in the hunt to sign a new midfielder, despite securing the signature of Andrey Santos while closing in on Youri Tielemans.

United confirmed the signing of Santos from Premier League rivals Chelsea earlier this week, becoming their first midfield addition of the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils are also closing in on the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Tielemans after activating his £35 million release clause.

United don’t appear to be finished with their midfield reinforcements, and they remain in the market to add another body in the middle of the park.

United lost Casemiro following the expiration of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has suffered a serious knee injury.

Man Utd hold talks for new midfielder

via Reuters

According to reports, Manchester United have opened talks to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes in the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old, described as ‘insane’, could be the third midfield option that United are looking to bring in.

The Red Devils have also been linked with moves to sign Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott, but Gomez could be the ideal option for them.

Considering Gomes was close to a £38 million move to Atletico Madrid, the Brazilian midfielder would likely be a lot cheaper than Baleba and Scott.

Taking that into account, Gomes would be the best value-for-money option out of the aforementioned trio. He could be perfect for Michael Carrick heading into the new season.

Gomes is what Man Utd need

There’s no doubt that United’s third midfielder that they bring to the club needs to be a hard-working, ball-winning addition.

Gomes fits exactly into that category, and although Baleba is similar in terms of profile, the former is likely to make a lot more sense financially.

With Wolves relegated to the Championship, they aren’t in a strong negotiating position when it comes to convincing the Brazilian to stay at the club.

There is no doubt he is capable of returning to the Premier League and performing at a high level, so he should be the third midfielder that United look to sign in the summer transfer window.