Former FIFA referee and rules expert Christina Unkel has cast her verdict on whether Spain deserved their first-half penalty against France in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.
While Lucas Digne clearly kicked Lamine Yamal in the penalty box, there has been some speculation over whether the teenage sensation actually handled the ball in the same incident as he fell to ground.
No retrospective action can be taken now that Mikel Oyazarbal converted the penalty in the 22nd minute, but it may remain a talking point should La Roja defend their lead and book a place in Sunday evening’s final at MetLife Stadium.
Former Referee Explains Why Yamal’s Penalty Was Allowed To Stand
Lamine Yamal vs Egypt
After analysing the footage, Unkel explained, during ITV’s live coverage (watch the incident below):
“The actual point of contact was on a part of the sleeve on Yamal, therefore it would not be considered an offence. As for the original decision for penalty, it should stand.
“Unfortunately, this is a similar incident to the one with Harry Kane, where a player has already committed to the challenge – however, they still have this onus and opportunity to avoid contact.”
Spain are through to the World Cup final and Lamine Yamal has made clear who he wants to be victorious when Argentina meet England in Wednesday’s semi-final.
Yamal and La Roja beat tournament favourites France 2-0 at Dallas Stadium to book their place in the final at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey in East Rutherford. It’s just the second time the Spaniards have reached the biggest game in international football and they will be hoping for a repeat of their 2010 triumph.
A Mikel Oyarzabal penalty and Pedro Porro’s fine finish saw off the French and ensured there will be no replay of the 2022 final. Yamal wasn’t on the scoresheet but he played his part in an impressive victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Who Yamal Wants to Face in World Cup Final
Heiko Becker Via Reuters
Spain could face England in a repeat of the Euro 2024 final, which they won 2-1, but there’s also a chance of seeing Yamal take on one of his footballing idols. For most Barcelona fans, it’s a dream to see their new superstar take on arguably the greatest player of all-time.
Yamal said ahead of his nation’s win on Tuesday (via Fabrizio Romano): “Facing Leo Messi in a World Cup final would be fantastic. I hope so!”
For that to happen, Argentina must beat England at Atlanta Stadium and it’s a tough one to call. Lionel Messi is firing on all cylinders and sits on eight goals in six games ahead of the semi-final.
Messi has never played against Yamal in competitive football, and it’s a story that writes itself. The 19-year-old Barca attacker hasn’t quite been at his best during the World Cup but will relish the chance to battle his idol in the biggest showpiece in world football.
Yamal Missed Out on Facing His Idol
Brett Davis (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
There are many interesting subplots that will ensue no matter whom Spain face in Sunday’s final. If it’s England, Yamal comes up against his new Barca teammate, Anthony Gordon, and his former Catalan ally, Marcus Rashford.
If it’s Argentina, he has the chance to prove he is Messi’s heir, both for the Blaugrana and on the international stage. But he won’t get the chance to ever face his idol Neymar, who bowed out of international football after Brazil’s 2-1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16.
Yamal previously revealed that he looked up to Neymar despite acknowledging Messi as the greatest player of all-time. He said: “Obviously, my idol is Neymar because I like watching him play, but Messi is the best, and there is no discussion about that.”
Neymar earned a surprise call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup but was handed a bit-part role. He wasn’t one of the superstars who have stepped up for their countries, including Jude Bellingham, who could fire England to a final and come up against his El Clasico rival.
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’.
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:
“Still trying to work out how that Fabian Ruiz free-kick was overturned. Absurd, regardless of whether it was a free-kick or not.”
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):
“I’m told that the referee cancelled the free-kick on the advice of his assistant. Looked a strange one though.”
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.”
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Saliba Gets Rest Amid Arsenal Pre-Season
William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match Everton vs Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, United Kingdom, 20th December 2025 (Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images)
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.
