Colombia vs England referee’s “bias was certain” – Radamel Falcao

Colombia striker Rademel Falcao has accused referee Mark Geiger of showing bias in favour of England following their World Cup Round of 16 exit.

The Colombians were eliminated after losing 4-3 on penalties to England after a tetchy 1-1 draw couldn’t separate the sides.

The game was far from free-flowing with a number of fouls and stoppages due to the nature of the contest.

Mark Geiger, who is American, could and probably should have sent off at least one player during the game, though some might argue it should have been more.

Falcao believes it was a strange decision to put an English speaking referee in charge of a game involving England, and stated that he thought that this particular aspect played a part in the referee’s judgement of 50-50 challenges.

“I found it peculiar that they put an American referee in this instance. To tell you the truth, the process leaves a lot of doubts. He only spoke English, some bias was certain,” the Colombian told reporters after the game (via the Guardian).

“The referee disturbed us a lot, in the 50-50 plays; he always made the calls in favour of England. This situation was undermining us. He didn’t act with the same criteria for both teams.

“When in doubt he always went to the England side. It’s shameful that this happens in the round of 16 of a World Cup.”

Despite the striker’s claims, the biggest decision of the night clearly went in Colombia’s favour. While lining up in a wall for an England free-kick Colombia’s Wilmar Barrios appeared to headbutt Jordan Henderson but was only booked for what was an obvious count of violent conduct.

Equally John Stones can count himself a little lucky that he wasn’t carded after he appeared to catch Falcao with his boot as the striker lay on the ground.

The game looked to be heading England’s way after Harry Kane netted his sixth goal of the tournament but Yerry Mina headed in an injury time equaliser to take the game to extra-time.

Yerry Mina's #WorldCup game by numbers vs. #ENG:

91% pass accuracy
78 touches
58 passes
10 clearances
5 aerial duels won
1 chance created
1 shot
1 goal

The first defender to score three headers at a World Cup tournament. pic.twitter.com/RrJBCxyoJS

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 3, 2018

Both sides had their chances but the game was decided on penalties with Jordan Pickford making the decisive stop from Carlos Bacca’s spot kick, leaving Tottenham’s Eric Dier to net the winner and send England into the quarter finals of the World Cup for the first time since 2006.

It was also England’s first ever win on penalties at a World Cup, meaning the Three Lions will now face Sweden in Samara on Saturday, with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs.

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