The biggest talking point from the FIFA Club World Cup final, until Cristiano Ronaldo decided to score a hat-trick, surrounded referee Janny Sikazwe. The match official endured a regular until the final moments of the game.
The Zambian official appeared ready to send of Sergio Ramos. The Spaniard had already picked up a 55th-minute booking when he fouled a Kashima Antlers player shortly before stoppage time, committing a tactical foul to break up a counter-attack.
The referee reached for his pockets, but after several seconds, he let the Real Madrid captain walk away. The center-back completed the game and won the title, leaving many to wonder what could have happened had he received his marching orders.
Los Blancos won 4-2. Many were upset with Sikazwe’s decision, but his explanation might shed some light. The referee, speaking to FilGoal, said:
“It was a miscommunication.
“It was only for a miscommunication between my assistant and me.
“He told me of the foul and told me in the earpiece that ‘no card’ However, I understood ‘card’.”
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