ZAMBIAN referee Janny Sikazwe has revealed why Sergio Ramos avoided a red card in the Fifa Club World Cup final – claiming it was due to “miscommunication”.
The Real Madrid defender was already on a booking when in the final moments of normal time he fouled a Kashima Antlers attacker to stop a counter-attack.
It was a clear yellow card offence, and it appeared that the Spaniard was set to receive his marching orders.
Sikazwe reached into his pocket for a good few seconds, but he eventually pulled out his hand minus a card, allowing Ramos to last the rest of the game.
The controversial decision drew ridicule from football fans and Kashima boss Masatada Ishii.
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However, speaking to FilGoal, the referee admitted that he messed up.
He said: “It was a miscommunication.
“It was only for a miscommunication between my assistant and me.
“He told me of the foul and told me in the earpiece that ‘no card’ However, I understood ‘card’.”
Real Madrid went on to win the game in extra-time 4-2, as Ronaldo helped himself to a hat-trick and yet more silverware.
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