The play occurred in the opening minutes of the match, when Enzo Fernández struck Englishman Anderson on the back of the neck with his hand during a challenge for the ball. Although play continued and referee Ismail Elfath did not show a card, the footage began to go viral as soon as the match ended.
The controversy gained even more momentum because, before the match, several British media outlets had already questioned Elfath’s appointment, describing him as a referee close to Lionel Messi due to his history in matches involving the Argentine. After La Albiceleste qualified, many English fans shared the play as further evidence of alleged refereeing favoritism.
Other users, however, maintain that it was a movement typical of the game and that the contact did not warrant a sending-off.
Here is the moment: