'Makes Mike Dean shy' - Gary Lineker slams Netherlands v Argentina referee

Gary Lineker has taken aim at referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz for showing 13 yellow cards in the spectacular World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands. The World Cup seemed to come to life for the Netherlands' blockbuster game against Argentina on Friday night.

A place in the semi-finals against Croatia was at stake for the winner after Brazil were surprisingly eliminated on penalties. All eyes were on Lionel Messi, Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay and Enzo Fernandez to deliver for their countries.

But the referee started to take center stage towards the end of the first half with a number of yellow cards handed out. The momentum of the match was continually disrupted with regular whistles for fouls.

Just before the break, the Spanish official was offended by protests from Wout Weghorst on the Netherlands bench. The players were also at fault with Depay and Emiliano Martinez booked for their role in a 75th-minute mini-brawl after Messi netted Argentina's second goal.

And Lineker compared the Spaniard to former Premier League official Mike Dean.

He tweeted: "13 yellow cards. This ref always likes to be the center of attention. He makes Mike Dean look shy."

There was still time for even more penalties on penalties, with Denzel Dumfries and Noa Lang being booked for unsportsmanlike conduct.

There were 15 yellow cards, but more likely followed in the scenes after Lautaro Martinez scored his penalty to put Argentina through.

The two groups of teams at the side of the pitch were seen in another mass brawl with Argentina and the Netherlands likely to face severe punishment from FIFA for failing to control their emotions.< /p>