World Cup 2026: Red card controversy in Canada-Bosnia match

Football is a sport that divides opinions. There was lively discussion in the BBC studios following Canada's 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina. This result was the first time co-host Canada had avoided defeat in seven World Cup matches. But questions were raised as to whether Bosnia should have been reduced to 10 men in the second half. The discussion began four minutes into the second half, with Bosnia leading 1-0. A long ball was passed forward and Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Basil jumped and punched the ball, but then his fist struck Canadian striker Tani Olawasei in the head. Former England captain Wayne Rooney insisted Basil should have been sent off, but former Premier League assistant referee Darren Can said Argentine referee Facundo Tello made the right decision by taking no action. There were no penalties, no red cards. There would have been no penalty as offside was flagged, but Basil could still have been sent off. Drawing on his experience as an assistant referee at the 2014 World Cup final, Khan said: "First of all, even if offside was called and there was no offside, in my opinion it is not a penalty. It is not a red card. It is not a serious foul because the goalkeeper clearly kicked the ball first and there was unavoidable contact afterwards. It's not a red card for me because the goalkeeper has clearly kicked the ball away." The rule explains: "A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opposing player or uses excessive force or cruelty must be sanctioned as a serious foul. A player who lunges at an opponent with one or both legs in front, side or behind towards the ball has committed a serious foul." Rooney said: "It's a red card. We have seen many instances where players have received a red card after kicking the ball and the whistle has blown. This is a very risky play. I know I kicked the ball, but then I hit him on the temple. That is the most dangerous area. He might faint. A delayed concussion may occur a week later. This is a clear red card for me. I don't think Daren Khan and I disagree. When you see players kicking the ball, they often kick it with appropriate force and then receive a red card. The same goes for this case. Darren Kahn said: “As a striker, I would have been disappointed not to have been awarded a penalty, but I understand his point. Sometimes it’s hard to take your hands off the striker’s head after kicking the ball first.” Now you can play the role of judge and vote. Should there have been a red card or not? Please tell us your opinion. --- ## Related Articles 1. [Mundial 2026](https://khidarikhabran.com/khabran/13-2026-11-2026-) 2. [ప్రపంచ కప్ 2026 మాస్కట్‌ల వేషంలో పెరూ పోలీసులు డ్రగ్ డీలర్‌ను అరెస్ట్ చేశారు](https://golmaru.com/news/2026-50)