Messi, Balogun and why two tackles have sparked World Cup outrage

[Ponietz]

The takes on this yesterday were spot on:

Messi verdict: The key context in this incident is that Messi is clearly making a conscious action as he is challenging for the ball.

By tackling his opponent in the manner he did, he showed a disregard for the safety of his opponent. Once there is contact with studs on the calf with a level of force, this endangers the safety of an opponent and should be a red card. Messi's intent to foul in this manner is irrelevant; intent is not a consideration in law, and the facts of any contact should be the defining factor.

Why was there no red card decision? It is difficult to understand why this was not picked up on the field by the referee. The VAR didn't feel the level of contact was forceful enough to be an on-field red card review, which is very debatable.

Balogun verdict: The important context around this situation is that Balogun did not at any point show a disregard for the safety of his opponent, nor did he endanger his opponent with an action. Contact occurred during what would be considered normal football movement. There should be no consideration for a red card in this situation.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49252206/messi-balogun-why-two-tackles-sparked-world-cup-outrage