Quansah’s Suspension and Lack of Explanation
Quansah’s Suspension and Lack of Explanation
England has not yet received an explanation from FIFA regarding the decision to upgrade Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico to a two-game suspension. Quansah was sent off during the Three Lions’ 3-2 victory over Mexico after a VAR review for an ankle-high challenge on Jesus Gallardo. While such dismissals typically result in a one-game ban, it was extended to two games due to the challenge being deemed ‘serious foul play’.
Thomas Tuchel, England’s head coach, expressed his frustration, stating that no reason has been provided for the upgraded ban. This decision comes amidst broader criticism of FIFA, particularly after a one-game ban for United States forward Folarin Balogun was suspended following his sending off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was subsequently cleared to play in a match against Belgium.
There were suggestions that Tuchel’s earlier critical comments about officials might have influenced the decision to extend Quansah’s ban. However, Tuchel dismissed this idea, reiterating that no explanation has been given to the England camp.
Impact on England’s Squad and Upcoming Fixtures
The two-match ban means Quansah will miss England’s quarter-final match against Norway and a potential semi-final against Argentina or Switzerland. He would only be available if England reaches the final. The Football Association considered appealing the decision but found no avenue to contest the ban under tournament regulations.
Despite the setback, Tuchel received positive news regarding other players. Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Reece James are all available for selection for the match against Norway. Rice had been recovering from illness, while Guehi had concerns about a hamstring issue. James, who sustained a hamstring injury during England’s second group stage game against Ghana, also participated in training. Tuchel confirmed that all three trained and are available, providing a timely boost for the squad.
The absence of Quansah complicates matters at right-back, a position that has been a concern for England throughout the tournament. Quansah had filled in against Mexico when James was injured. While James’s return offers a solution, there is an element of risk in immediately reintroducing him into a high-stakes match.
VAR Protocol and Consistency Concerns
The decision regarding Quansah’s ban has highlighted ongoing discussions about VAR protocol and consistency in officiating. The FA made strong representations to FIFA concerning the process that led to Quansah’s red card, arguing that showing the referee a still image and slow-motion replays before real-time footage could lead to ‘outcome bias’.
In the Premier League, officials are shown incidents at full speed first, a practice that differs from the World Cup protocol. At the World Cup, officials are shown a still image, then slow-motion replay, and finally full speed. While VAR protocol states that full speed should be used for the ‘intensity of the challenge’ and slow motion for the ‘point of contact’, the order of presentation varies between competitions.
The inconsistency in punishment, particularly when compared to Folarin Balogun’s situation, has drawn criticism. Balogun was also sent off for serious foul play but received a one-match ban that was suspended. This led to widespread criticism from various football bodies and coaches, including Tuchel. The French referee Clement Turpin has been appointed to officiate the Norway game.
England captain Harry Kane is set to draw level with Wayne Rooney as England’s most-capped outfield player in the upcoming match against Norway.
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Source: skysports.com
