Everything went wrong on Tuesday night for France and their Nigerian-born dazzler, Michael Olise, as Les Bleus lost 2-0 to Spain in the first semi-final of this year’s FIFA World Cup, but the Bayern Munich of Germany star escaped what would have potentially been a red card for him.
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Sports247 reports that the formrr Reims of France and Crystal Palace of England youngster would have been suspended from France’s third place consolation match on Saturday and their next international fixture, but he escaped by the whiskers in the first half of Tuesday’s implosion.
Commentators and analysts were unanimous that Olise narrowly avoided being sent off for what was described as his ‘horror tackle’ on Spain’s captain, Rodri, as the Nigerian-born mulatto caught the former Ballon d’Or winner with his studs up on his ankle in the first half of the last-four clash.
A report by UK’s Sun Sport recalled, “Manchester City midfielder Rodri was in possession and had escaped the press of Olise around 14 minutes into the game. But, as Olise tracked back, he recklessly lunged into a tackle from behind.
“Rodri had already released the ball, but was caught by Olise’s studs on the back of his leg. The tackle left the 30-year-old grimacing in pain (but) the incident did not even yield a yellow card for the former Crystal Palace man, who is the leading playmaker at this World Cup with five assists.”
Sports247 reports further that the incident generated heated debate on social media, as many football fans wondered how the 24-year-old Olise did not get at least a yellow card or even sent off, which would have made him the second Nigerian-born player to be expelled during this World Cup (after USA’s Folarin Balogun).
One of the comments stated in shocked dismay: “Olise KICKED THROUGH Rodri’s ankle with his studs this is 100 per cent a RED CARD. HOW’S HE NOT GOTTEN A YELLOW CARD:” and another added: “Olise didn’t even get a card for this.”
