‘Very poor’: ‘Atrocious’ referee decisions in Olyroos’ shock upset win

The Olyroos pulled off an upset for the ages against Argentina but they were lucky to be on the good side of a controversial call.

Referee Srdan Jovanovic was slammed for a trigger-happy performance with the whistle in Australia’s game against Argentina. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)

The Olyroos pulled off an upset for the ages against Argentina at the Olympics, but they can count themselves lucky after they were on the favourable end of a controversial refereeing decision.

Australia’s under-23 side defeated the South American football giants 2-0 on Thursday night (AEST) in a huge boilover, as they look to progress from the so-called “group of death” with Argentina, Spain and Egypt.

But it could have been a very different story if Argentina hadn’t been reduced to 10 men on the stroke of halftime.

Argentinian defender Francisco Ortega was given two yellow cards in as many minutes.

The first was justifiable, after Ortega took out Nathaniel Atkinson, who was making an attacking run down the right hand side.

But it was the second yellow card that had even Australia football fans scratching their heads.

As the players were jostling in the box for the subsequent free kick, Ortega tangled with Riley McGree and referee Srdan Jovanovic had seen enough, showing Ortega his second yellow and a red card to give him in marching orders.

There were red cards galore in the Olyroos’ shock win over Argentina. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)

In reality, it was barely more than some reasonable push and shove between defender and attacker and from that moment on, the match shifted in Australia’s favour.

Fans and experts were very unimpressed with the referee’s performance.

“This referee hasn’t had a great one,” Channel 7 commentator Brenton Speed said.

“I think this will be his one and only Olympic finals match given the send off, which was a very, very poor decision,” expert commentator Andy Harper added.

What was that card for!?!? #ARGvAUS#olyroospic.twitter.com/cfzVnmjKA0

— Francis Leach (@SaintFrankly) July 22, 2021

Australians collectively watching the referee give that second yellow card... #Tokyo2020#Olyroospic.twitter.com/I8qLaN8M2S

— Alexander Grant (@AlexGrantOz) July 22, 2021

Was just about to say this is the worst referee I’ve ever seen at a major tournament and he gifts us a man advantage 🤩

That’s an atrocious decision, he’ll he lucky to get another game at this tournament but yesssss what a gift!🥳#ARGvAUS#Tokyo2020

— Rory Flanagan (@Rory_Flanagan) July 22, 2021

Ridiculous red card for Ortega in the Olympics

— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) July 22, 2021

Wow that’s a gutsy red card. I don’t think he knew that guy already had a yellow a minute earlier. 😬 #ARGvAUS

— Chantel Jones (@Chantel_Jones29) July 22, 2021

Argentina came out firing in the second half and it looked like they might be able to level things up, but playing a man down proved too difficult.

Their fate was sealed when Olyroos super-substitute Marco Tilio scored an absolute screamer from well outside the box in the 80th minute, just seconds after he had come on to the field.

As much as Australia deserves to celebrate the momentous result against a world-class opponent, the number of yellow cards handed out to the Olyroos will be a major concern going into Saturday’s match with Spain.

Super-sub Marco Tilio (centre) sealed the deal for the Olyroos with an epic strike from outside the box. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)

There were yellow cards galore as trigger-happy referee Jovanovic wasn’t afraid to crack down on challenges from both teams, with several Australians shown a yellow during the game.

The cards carry over in the tournament, meaning a second in another match will result in a one-game suspension.

But that’s a problem for another day. The Olyroos deserve to celebrate this truly monumental performance.