FIFA World Cup 2022: Fans Are Furious At Referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim For Stealing Spotlight In Wales Clash

To start off their World Cup run, the USA is playing a competitive match against Wales, but the referees are making it very difficult for spectators to enjoy the game.

Defender Sergino Dest and midfielder Weston McKennie each received a yellow card in the first 13 minutes of play by Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim. For some fans, both were a little too dubious.

A number of other calls, including contentious goal-kick decisions and no-foul calls, have raised the ire of the supporters.

As a result, Al-Jassim is receiving a ton of flak from the public for his officiating today.

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USMNT striker Tim Weah gave the team the lead with a brilliant goal in the 36th minute that was assisted by Christian Pulisic.

The Americans’ first World Cup goal since the 2014 Round of 16 matches against Belgium.

After the goal, however, Al-Jassim continued his subpar officiating by showing Wales forward Gareth Bale a ticky-tack yellow card.

Penalty Call By Abdulrahman Al-Jassim Was Fair

The penalty call was legitimate, but the USMNT’s playing style was unquestionably altered by the early yellow cards.

Chris Mepham frustratedly shoved Pulisic to the ground shortly after receiving the two cautions.

Although the prior fouls were actually less violent, the referee appeared to be going to punish Mepham with the same severity, but Mepham just received a warning.

Near the end of the first half, Mepham received a yellow card that, had the official done his job correctly, would have resulted in his dismissal from the contest.

Who Is The World Cup Referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim?

Al-Jassim is a Qatar native who has been a FIFA referee since 2013.

He has officiated the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, among other tournaments.

It’s clear Al-Jassim was out of his depth in the World Cup, where he worried more about putting on a tough face for the cameras than of calling a fair game.

USMNT will take on England on Friday as part of Group B in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

 

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