Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo in England’s World Cup Round of 16 clash with Mexico at the Azteca, a decision that sparked a touchline brawl as punches were thrown on the benches.
The young defender slid in to win the ball in the opening minutes of the second half, but replays showed his foot was high when it caught Gallardo, who was left on the turf. Referee Alireza Faghani initially let play continue, but after being advised to review the challenge by VAR, he judged Quansah’s challenge warranted a dismissal.
“Jarell Quansah sent off after VAR review for high challenge; England beat Mexico 3-2.”
England were 2-1 up at the time of the red card – Jude Bellingham had scored twice in the first half – and they extended their lead shortly after Quansah’s sending-off, Harry Kane converting from the penalty spot. Mexico pulled one back through Raul Jimenez’s spot-kick to set up a grandstand finale, but England held on to win 3-2 and book their place in the quarter-finals against Norway.
The red card added to England’s right-back crisis: Quansah was deputising in the position because a hamstring injury kept Reece James out of the win over DR Congo and the Mexico match, while Tino Livramento had already withdrawn from the squad due to injury. Alan Shearer, commentating for the BBC, said the Mexico bench reacted furiously to the challenge and punches were thrown as both benches clashed.
England now face Norway in the last eight, but questions remain over who will fill the right-back role for that tie.