The Copa América Centenario final has been a rough match, with harsh tackles flying around by both teams. Unfortunately for fans and experts, the referee of this match is stealing the show, with a couple of complicated decisions by the game's officer, Heber Lopes.
Before the 30th minute mark, the Brazilian ref decided to show a second yellow card to Marcelo Díaz, when it seemed like Lionel Messi provoked the foul by throwing himself at the Chilean midfielder.
Por esta infracción, Marcelo Díaz vio la segunda amarilla y se fue expulsado #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/G1ZwJzURfa
— TodaPasion (@TodaPasion) June 27, 2016
Three minutes before the first half ended, Lopes showed a straight red to Marcos Rojo. After having a second look at the replay, it seemed like Rojo touched the ball and hardly even touched Vidal.
Great spectacle, but not sure this is a straight red by any stretch of the imagination! #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/paoZDKQZTe
— Carly Adno (@CarlyW226) June 27, 2016
Lopes' antics on the pitch even gave fans the rare opportunity to see Lionel Messi getting a yellow card.
Here is the yellow on Messi for diving. Good call. #ARGvCHI pic.twitter.com/wNaEzx1ltF
— Bad Ref (@badrefdotcom) June 27, 2016
Fans and experts were appalled by the ref's performance during the first half. Here's what some of them had to say.
This referee giving cards like. Awful performance so far pic.twitter.com/USpL74QVWj
— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) June 27, 2016
Ref be like "Yellow card for you' Red card for you, Cards for everyone"!!! #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/ZcqIhAA5V5
— マーク (@Mperegrino_) June 27, 2016
Brazilian referee in #CopaAmerica final making sure attention is all on him. Throwing cards around like it's Christmas. #ARGvCHI
— Christian Radnedge (@ChristianRad) June 27, 2016
@angelobenjy the ref wan balance the game
— Seyram Suarez (@SeyramSuarez) June 27, 2016
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