Referee For Nigeria's Opening World Cup Match Vs Croatia Hospitalized

The Brazilian referee that officiated Nigeria's opening World Cup match against Croatia has been hospitalized, according to reports.

Russian daily sports newspaper Sport Express says the main referee of the World Cup match between the national teams of Croatia and Nigeria, Sandro Meira Ricci, has been hospitalized.

The 43-year-old civil servant has ruptured his ligaments and is presently in the hospital.

Only yesterday, Ricci, who was the Video Assistant Referee for England's clash with Tunisia, was embroiled in a fresh controversy after he failed to award a penalty to England, as did the Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan, when Tottenham's Harry Kane was grabbed and knocked over by Sassi inside the area.

On Saturday evening, Nigeria were awarded 20 free-kicks, four more than Croatia, with Odion Ighalo giving away three fouls, and Victor Moses and Troost-Ekong two each.

Ricci booked only Troost-Ekong in the Nigerian team, while he showed yellow cards to Croatia pair, Ivan Rakitic and Brozović, and he awarded an undisputed penalty to the Balkans after the Bursaspor central defender pulled Mario Mandzukic by the shirt.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : fifa.com