Gerard Pique is a lucky, lucky lad
A sentence which has nothing to do with the fact he’s won every trophy imaginable in his professional football career, earned millions of pounds in the process and married Shakira…
Instead, we’re referring to how he managed to avoid being shown a red card in Spain’s final group game of the 2018 World Cup.
Facing Morocco in Kaliningrad, Pique went in for an early challenge with all studs showing. We’re not allowed to post footage of the incident here unless we want a strongly worded letter from Gianni Infantino and the Fifa boys, but truthfully, an image probably does it justice.
Here. Look…
Oof.
There was minimal contact with the man, but as many were quick to point out, this was very much a reckless challenge from Pique. The referee opted not to show red. In fact, he didn’t show him any kind of card at all.
Many of those watching found this strange, especially with the fact VAR didn’t even bother taking a look.
https://twitter.com/MelusiMaposa/status/1011311234245906435
Gerard Pique should have got a red card imo. Gone in two footed 7 minutes in, didn’t even get a yellow for it. No VAR intervention. #ESP
— Rich (@BatesInThePlace) June 25, 2018
Pique. Both feet, studs up by the law of the game I think that should be a red card.
— Matt (@MatthewBurford) June 25, 2018
I thought VAR could review straight red card offenses at any time? So… why aren't they sending Pique off? #ESPMAR #WorldCup2018
— Bobert à Grande Vitesse (@thatbobertguy) June 25, 2018
Pique escaping from the clearest red card in the history of time
— Dominic (@DomBobb18) June 25, 2018
Pique – I thought VAR was supposed to look at possible red card. #bbcworldcup
— Jodmos (@JodmosBear) June 25, 2018
Spain started the game with their progress to the last 16 stages all but mathematically sealed. Only a defear to Morocco combined with Iran beating Portugal would see them eliminated. Even then, it would be likely Spain would have to lose heavily.
