Brazilian referee that handled Nigeria’s opening World Cup match against Croatia on Saturday has been hospitalized.
Russian daily sports newspaper Sport Express, reports that the Brazilian ref, Sandro Meira Ricci ruptured his ligaments and is presently in the hospital.
Yesterday, Ricci, who was the Video Assistant Referee for England’s clash with Tunisia, was embroiled in a fresh controversy after he failed to award a penalty to England.
He was called upon by the main referee, Colombian Wilmar Roldan, when Tottenham’s Harry Kane was grabbed and knocked over by Sassi inside the area.
On Saturday evening, Nigeria was awarded 20 free-kicks, four more than Croatia, with Odion Ighalo giving away three fouls, and Victor Moses and Troost-Ekong two each.
Ricci booked only Troost-Ekong in the Nigerian team, while he showed yellow cards to Croatia pair, Ivan Rakitic and Brozović.
He also awarded an undisputed penalty to the Balkans after Ekong pulled Mario Mandzukic by the shirt.
