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Denmark vs Australia referee: VAR demand for controversial Liverpool and Man City ref
DENMARK VS AUSTRALIA referee - Everything you need to know about Antonio Mateu Lahoz and calls for VAR.
Denmark vs Australia has controversial referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz in charge - and he's already given a VAR decision.
Lahoz is said to be fond of attention and is never too far away from brandishing a yellow card.
The Spaniard has been a FIFA-listed ref since 2011 and is officiating at his first World Cup.
But who is referee Lahoz, and why is he controversial?
Denmark vs Australia referee
Lahoz, 41, began refereeing in the Spanish football hierarchy in 1999 but only started officiating La Liga matches in 2008.
He has become one of the most recognised Spanish referees over the proceeding decade.
But he’s never too far away from controversy, having reffed a fair few Clasicos in his time.
Referee controversy
Lahoz was also the central figure in Liverpool’s controversial Champions League win over Manchester City this season.
Pep Guardiola hit out at the ref for incorrectly ruling out a Leroy Sane goal, which would have been given had VAR been in operation in UEFA competitions this season.
Lahoz also sent Guardiola off at half-time, a decision that riled the Spanish manager.
“The ref is a special guy, he likes to be different,” Guardiola said after the 2-1 win for Liverpool.
“Whenever people see the things, he will decide the opposite.”
Lahoz also missed a clear goal for Luis Suarez in Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Deportivo this season.
The ball crossed the line but again a lack of VAR - or indeed goalie technology of any sort - means Lahoz missed the goal.
Australia and Denmark were hoping for no controversies in their World Cup group clash today. But it was not to be as VAR came into effect in the first half.
Denmark vs Australia VAR
Incredibly, VAR was used in the game between Denmark and Australia today.
A handball in the Danish box was not given, with Denmark 1-0 up at the time.
The referee went to the TV officials and moments later pointed to the spot.
And Luka Milivojevic slammed home to make it 1-1 before the break.
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