Lahoz makes retirement plan after harsh criticism from Barcelona, Argentina and Netherlands

Controversial Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz who issued 17 yellow cards in the Argentina v Netherlands World Cup match in Qatar, is now making his retirement plan after being dumped by Spanish football authorities.

Lahoz has faced criticism in the last few days after dishing out an astonishing 35 cards in the last three Spanish league matches he officiated.

The 45-year-old had caused a storm of controversy in the World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Netherlands when he set a new record for most yellow cards in a single match at the tournament.

While Messi said at the time that he was “not up to the task”, Netherlands and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong said his display was “scandalous”.

Lahoz also set another record for most number of cards in a La Liga match when he took charge of the match between Barcelona and Espanyol. He also sent off Sevilla coach Jorge Sampaoli just 17 minutes into the Copa del Rey clash against Linares.

Following his recent display, it’s been reported that he will not be involved in this weekend’s La Liga matches and it is unclear if he will be given another game to officiate the following week.

Journalist Gaston Edul has also reported that Lahoz has shared his decision to call time on his career.

Mateu Lahoz se retira del arbitraje cuando termine esta temporada. pic.twitter.com/y4Lf9F3iWk

— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) January 5, 2023