Fifa World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo escapes red card as Iran coach Carlos Queiroz condemns VAR in 20-minute rant
Queiroz slams Fifa after 1-1 draw with Portugal eliminates Iran from Russia 2018, as video assistant referee system creates more controversy
“I’m not talking about the ref, talking about one system,” former Manchester United assistant coach Queiroz said in English. “Thousands of dollars, five guys sitting upstairs and they don’t see an elbow? Give me a break.”
Queiroz was angered that Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was not issued a red card when his elbow struck Iran defender Morteza Pouraliganji in the face. Ronaldo had aggressively initiated contact from behind.
The Iranians already felt VAR had robbed them when a goal was overturned by the new review process for offside in a 1-0 loss to Spain. The day before Monday night’s group B finale between Iran and Portugal, Queiroz said he supported the video review for obvious mistakes. But he made it clear he was against its overuse in this tournament to address debatable judgment calls.
Queiroz said coaches also must be kept informed in real time – or be able to see the replays themselves – as incidents are being reviewed.
“The only people who cannot see what happens in the game is the coach,” Queiroz said. He added that Fifa president Gianni Infantino “needs to say, ‘Something is wrong here. We need to make it right’”.