Scandal! Should Perisic really have been sent off against Spain?
Croatia are furious over one of the key moments in their dramatic clash with Spain.
Details: Ivan Perisic was shown a red card after an episode involving Marc Cucurella during Croatia's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the UEFA Nations League. The decision immediately triggered angry protests from the Croatian side, with the hosts insisting that the Spanish defender had gone down far too easily.
The available footage shows Perisic challenging Cucurella as the Spain defender moved forward with the ball. After the contact, Cucurella went to ground and the referee decided that the Croatian's challenge deserved the most severe punishment.
Croatia's reaction was immediate. Players surrounded the referee and disputed the decision, while Perisic himself appeared extremely reluctant to leave the pitch. The episode became even more painful for the hosts because they had already seen the veteran play a decisive role earlier in the evening.
Perisic had opened the scoring for Croatia in the 17th minute, but Spain responded after the break through Mikel Merino. With Croatia reduced to ten men, Merino struck again in the 89th minute to complete a 2-1 comeback victory for La Roja.
It is worth noting that Spain entered the match on a run of 10 consecutive victories and 41 games without defeat. The win in Split therefore extended those sequences to 11 straight victories and 42 unbeaten matches.
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Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
