Explained: Why Croatia coach Mario Mandzukic was sent off in Argentina World Cup semi-final

• Mandzukic sent off on touchline
• Caught up in complaints over penalty
• Croatia fall behind to Argentina

WHAT HAPPENED? Among the chaos of complaints and appeals that followed Argentina being awarded a penalty half an hour into their World Cup semi-final, Croatia assistant coach Mandzukic received his marching orders on the touchline.

WHY WAS HE SENT OFF? Croatian players protested the decision on the pitch, which resulted in Mateo Kovacic getting booked. Meanwhile, Mandzukic and other coaching staff continued their complaints on the sidelines, with the former striker being sent off for his appeals.

THE REACTION:

Looks someone has been sent off the Croatia bench. Can't see from here, but I think it's Mandzukic.

— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) December 13, 2022

FIFA data platform says Croatia assistant Mario Mandzukic was sent off in the 35th minute https://t.co/RftFpCjimk

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) December 13, 2022