Jorge Larrionda was booted off the 2002 World Cup list and also missed a 'goal' in 2004 qualifying

Referee Jorge Larrionda's decision not to award England a goal after Frank Lampard's deft effort clipped the cross-bar and bounced a yard behind the line is not the first glaring error made by the Uruguayan official.

The 42-year-old South American, once suspended for six months by his country's Football Association for alleged 'irregularities', was at the centre of a World Cup storm on his continent six years ago for just the same reason.

In a vital qualifying clash between Brazil and Columbia, Larrionda deprived the world champions a winner midway through the second half when Adriano saw his close-range shot bounce down off the underside of the crossbar and land half a metre behind the line.

It caused as much anger in Brazil as it did disbelief elsewhere yet the man in the middle was still selected to officiate at the 2006 World Cup.

In this year's tournament, where he has refereed three games, Larrionda has already attracted criticism for his failure to spot Tim Cahill's clear handball for Australia which ultimately cost Serbia a place in the last 16.


In his final match at the 2006 tournament, the semi-final between France and Portugal he gave a penalty against Ricardo Carvalho which ultimately decided the match.

Larrionda, who lists breeding animals as his main hobby, has the highest red card per match ratio in international matches, 94 in 140 or two reds every three games. It seems he comes with baggage.

The most damaging allegation against him, though, came in 2002. The 42-year-old was suspended along with four other Uruguayan officials for unspecified 'irregularities', a decision which cost him a place at the 2002 World Cup.

England might wish a similar ban had prevented his presence in South Africa this time around.


(source: dailymail.co.uk)